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What are these and what do they do? (Mod Edit: It's a Datum Plate!)
- Thread starter Pokelet
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RailUK Forums
This is a very commonly asked question on here. 
They're datum plates, which show details of the track as it should be at that position - so that maintenance crews can assess whether the track has settled or otherwise moved from where it should be. Some concise info on http://www.railsigns.uk/info/other1/other1.html for example.
They're datum plates, which show details of the track as it should be at that position - so that maintenance crews can assess whether the track has settled or otherwise moved from where it should be. Some concise info on http://www.railsigns.uk/info/other1/other1.html for example.
This is a perennial favourite on the Forum (see here and here for example) but without knowing the name it's rather hard to search for isn't it?! I remember when I first joined I wondered what they were and no amount of searching would help as I had no idea what terms to really use.
As above they're datum plates which show details of the track position and are used to ensure that the track doesn't move out of position and if it does then engineers have a reference to work off when putting it back.
That being said my preferred 'silly' answer is always that they control the volume of the station PA
As above they're datum plates which show details of the track position and are used to ensure that the track doesn't move out of position and if it does then engineers have a reference to work off when putting it back.
That being said my preferred 'silly' answer is always that they control the volume of the station PA
Ploughman
Established Member
This is a perennial favourite on the Forum (see here and here for example) but without knowing the name it's rather hard to search for isn't it?! I remember when I first joined I wondered what they were and no amount of searching would help as I had no idea what terms to really use.
As above they're datum plates which show details of the track position and are used to ensure that the track doesn't move out of position and if it does then engineers have a reference to work off when putting it back.
That being said my preferred 'silly' answer is always that they control the volume of the station PA
Nearly right but actually they are the Thermostat sliders for the rail heaters.
Joseph_Locke
Established Member
? Perches very small and very brave birds.
Kneedown
Established Member
Attachment points for the tarpaulins that cover the track to stop leaves building up?
kentuckytony
Member
I am here in De Newnited States and have seen questions starting with, "What are these..." so often over the years that I know the answer before I finish reading the question.
I do appreciate some of the newer gag answers posted here.
I do appreciate some of the newer gag answers posted here.
This is a very commonly asked question on here.
They're datum plates, which show details of the track as it should be at that position - so that maintenance crews can assess whether the track has settled or otherwise moved from where it should be. Some concise info on http://www.railsigns.uk/info/other1/other1.html for example.
Thanks, explained perfectly. Every day's a school day as they say
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