FEATURE PROJECT
Yarra Trams
Producing light rail infrastructure utilising rail steel, thermit welding and hardfacing technology – just one example of crossing and transition manufacture by J C Smale.
Yarra Trams sought a local partner to support intersection infrastructure supply for the Melbourne tramway system.
J C Smale worked with Yarra Trams to provide a rail steel option for thermit-welded crossings in the network. This project involved sourcing product from a European company that specialised in the development, design and production of this kind of crossing.
The switches and diamond installation at the intersection of Dandenong and Wattletree roads in Melbourne is one example. This employs an interlocking style of manufacturing through precision machining and fabrication. Other key features are hardfaced sections where the diamond is exposed to high wear, and thermit-welded connections to standard rail steel.
This project and methodology is an example of the knowledge and skills J C Smale brings to other light rail applications around Australia, including advanced and complex crossings and transitions.
