Development of truly portable track geometry recording trolley and accompanying new measurement principle

In 2015, a truly portable track geometry measuring trolley was successfully developed to enable real-time measurement after all track maintenance work. An experimental model named LRSX01 (development code) was realized that is small (disassembled total length of 1600 mm maximum) and lightweight (9.5 kg, which is about one-third that of track geometry measuring trolley LIGHTREC). Seven items may be measured in real-time; track gauge, cross level, 10m alignment (right and left), 10 m longitudinal level (right and left), and twist. Measuring accuracy is high, and it far outperforms current track geometry measuring trolleys in terms of repeatability error. Mechanism of the LRSX01 is very simple and easy to maintain because there are no moving parts for measuring alignment and longitudinal level. These advantages, which are not found on any similar conventional product, were achieved with a brand-new track geometry measuring principle called “differential difference method” for the LRSX01. The LRSX01 product model will go on sale globally in April 2017.