Sand pits

[R4_GRN]

In the 1960s there was a sand trap at Ninewells junction on the main Dundee to Perth line which I assume was to stop runaways from the Newtyle railway running onto the main line. The line up to Liff station was long and fairly steep so a runaway would have gathered a fair speed. The trap consisted of a wooden box encasing both rails for a fair distance filled with sand, although due to a cliff face the trap turned towards the main line so if it did not stop the runaway it would still have gone onto the main line.

Were they effective? could they slow a goods wagon or a locomotive? What if sand was wet and heavy frost, did the trap still work? Did it stop the runaway or did it usually de-rail?

Are they still used in modern times ?

 

[Ploughman]

There used to be one installed on the UP approaching the Swing Bridge over the Ouse at Goole. Removed around 2009.

On the NYMR there is one in place at Goathland.

I believe that they do work in a similar fashion to those installed on roads.

 

[theageofthetra]

Some yards still have these to protect the main line. Grove park certainly has on the down side due to the gradient from what was formally a hump goods yard.

 

[30907]

Time was when even running loops would have them, though I remember them as encasing the individual running rails. Kent House loops come to mind. Not on a significant gradient either.

 

[R4_GRN]

Oops, my poor choice of words, a wooden box encased each rail not one box across both rails. Must try harder!

 

[30907]

I think I've seen both.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Less so with no unfitted trains - South Wales had a few - as in Taffs Well off the "Big Hill" from Aber Junction. Nothing ever reported - though the local PW gangs raked out the tell tale marks from time to time.

Official term was "sand drag" ....

 

[krus_aragon]

I believe there was a set protecting the single line portion of the North Wales Coast Line over the Britannia Bridge after it was rebuilt. I'm not sure if they remain there...

 

[Ploughman]

Never heard them called Sand Pits.
Always known them as "Sand Drags".