Rail Tool Calibration

Requesting a solicitation for Rail Maintenance and Maintenance Wayside equipment calibration. Seeking competitive proposals from accredited calibration service’s to provide repair and calibration services for test and measurement equipment. It is the desire of CATS Rail Operations to partner with multiple vendors for these services.

Calibration of tools and equipment is a necessary part of the quality control process for CATS Rail Operations for proper maintenance of our railcars and rail infrastructure. Tools that have exceeded their calibration due date are taken out of rotation and noted as past the calibration due date.

CATS Rail Operations is governed by our own internal calibration policy which is largely based on APTA standards. In compliance with our calibration policy, CATS Rail Operations sends out equipment throughout the year for calibration and/or repair utilizing various vendors and annually hosts an onsite calibration.

PSR 912

CATS Rail Geometry Testing

The Charlotte Light Rail consists of over 40 miles track that includes double main track, storage tracks and yard tracks. Having a strategy for Rail Inspection is key to the success of CATS and its passengers. CATS is developing a plan that will help ensure that rail defects will not be an issue for are lines.
The purpose of Track Geometry testing on CATS Blue Line is to test several geometric parameters of the track without obstructing normal revenue operations. Some of the parameters generally measured include position, curvature, alignment of the track, smoothness, and the cross level of the rails. The testing vehicle will use a variety of sensors, measuring systems, and data management systems to create a profile of the track being inspected.
The Track Geometry Vehicle must be able to collect track geometry measurements that include gauge, curvature, cross level, super elevation, 31’ and 62’ warp, 31’ and 62’ twist, track alignment and rail profiles of both left and right running rails. All measurements collected shall meet the most current APTA track safety standards. Any defects shall be coded as defined in the CATS MOW Track Standards Manual; as well as the severity level defined in the manual.

 

PSR 802