Could anyone tell me what these are? (edit: it's a datum plate!)

[ADIRU]

I have often wondered what these items are in the face of many railway station platforms. I'd be most interested and grateful to know what they are.
Apologies if this has been covered before.
Thanks.
View attachment 45771

 

[AlterEgo]

I just knew before opening the thread that this would be about datum plates.

http://www.railsigns.uk/info/other1/other1.html

Datum plates are fixed to structures (platforms, bridges and overhead line masts, etc.) located near the track. The details on the plate specify the relative position of the track, which can then be monitored for movement.....

 

[kentuckytony]

I just knew before opening the thread that this would be about datum plates.

http://www.railsigns.uk/info/other1/other1.html

AlterEgo, you got that right. My guess ahead of time too.
But better to ask than not. Education is an ongoing thing.
Welcome aboard, ADIRU.

 

[yorkie]

I just knew before opening the thread that this would be about datum plates.

http://www.railsigns.uk/info/other1/other1.html

I thought so too, but we have had a few false positives lately

Anyway here goes....

This crops up quite often, so much so that when people see a thread titled "What is this?" the first thought is that the likely answer is going to be: "it's a datum plate!", hence you see some threads titled "What is this? (not a datum plate)"

I'm not a rail expert or rail enthusiast in the slightest, but I would guess they are gauges to indicate the height of the nearest rail.

Yes, they indicate the intended height of the railhead, which is necessary information in track maintenance.

It was discussed informatively in this thread a year or so ago, which might be helpful.

You are all correct. These are called datum plates. The red block on them indicates the height of the rail. The plates also have details of what the cant is and the distance from the plate to the running edge of the closest rail. They are commonly found on platforms but are also on bridges sign posts signals etc. They are used to monitor track movement and to help with maintenance. Hope this helps you.

(the above was last posted by me 7 months ago and will no doubt be posted again in the next few months...)

 

[ADIRU]

Thank you very much from one great dimmo

 

[Ploughman]

Thank you very much from one great dimmo

Not a Dimmo.
You won't find out unless you ask.