P95T
Sleeper and ballast replacement unit
Developed to meet the requirements of SNCF, our client on all sleeper replacement sites, the P95T is currently the first unit operating on high-speed lines for sleeper and ballast replacement works. This unit was commissioned for an initial operation in the Tarentaise valley in the Alps.
The P95T itself consists of several operating modules:
- Wagons on which the new sleepers are loaded;
- The first ‘VES’ decoupling wagon, which uncouples the track. Operators unbolt all the fasteners under this wagon to detach the rails from the sleepers
Work unit to be put into action
- Step 1: the old sleepers are removed;
- Step 2: a stripping chain and a tamping blade which compensate for variations in the thickness of the sleepers to restore the track to the same level before and after the train;
- Step 3: once the sleepers have been laid, the unit returns the rail and attaches new-generation face clip type fasteners.
- Step 4: Finally, just behind the unit, monoblock sleepers weighing approximately 300 to 320 kg are laid;
Our all-in-one 25,000 V and 1,500 V catenary replacement units
A world first in the large-scale operation of the catenary replacement factory train unit
The all-in-one catenary replacement unit project was designed in 2017 to renovate a large part of the ageing catenaries that supply electric trains in circulation on the national rail network within seven years and without stopping operation. This is a collaborative approach between Colas Rail and TSO Caténaires in the joint construction under the project, with pooled skills, resources and investments.
Comprising mobile workshops for specific tasks, the components of the all-in-one catenary replacement units operate simultaneously and follow one another in front of each support, carrying out all the catenary replacement work.
All-in-one 25,000 V unit
Colas Rail has formed a consortium with TSO Caténaires to pool their skills. The all-in-one 25,000 V catenary replacement unit is a train consisting of several wagons: a middle wagon and crane wagons (one crane wagon for removal and one crane wagon for replacement).
The middle wagon is used to dismantle the old pieces of overhead line configuration and replace them with the new ones. It is equipped with two operator nacelles. The wagon ahead of the middle wagon is equipped with a removal crane, used to remove the old wires after dismantling. Finally, the wagon behind the middle wagon is equipped with a crane for installing the new overhead lines and is used to bring the new parts to the operators in charge of installing them.
1,500 V all-in-one catenary replacement units
Unlike the 25,000 V all-in-one catenary replacement unit, the 1,500 V all-in-one catenary replacement unit changes the pole/wire configuration assembly in one go.
Put into production in June 2021, the 1,500 V all-in-one catenary replacement unit is unique. It is based on two highly innovative special work trains and on large-scale isometric pegging, a new concept in catenary renovation.
The 1,500 V all-in-one catenary replacement unit was developed by SNCF Réseau, Colas Rail, TSO Caténaires and the manufacturers Geismar and Novium and has proved its effectiveness since the beginning of 2022 on a new project carried out between Fleury-les-Aubrais and Beaugency.
Purpose of all-in-one catenary replacement units
To improve solutions conceived in compliance with the technical constraints set by SNCF network
To replace the wires and droppers
To improve safety and operator working conditions
Our innovations
Key figures
TO 4 TIMES FASTER THAN CONVENTIONAL METHODS
TIMES SHORTER TASK COMPLETION TIME
M€
INVESTED IN THE PROJECT BY THE CONSORTIUM
KM
OF CATENARIES REPLACED IN LESS THAN 140 WORKING DAYS IN 2020EMPLOYEES
KM OF CATENARIES TO BE REPLACED
DROPPERS REPLACED
pendulums replaced
