What are these?

[trevwilliams]

Doing a tour of some of the London Suburban lines I saw these items. The first image shows a panel with an adjustable switch that looks as though it slides up and down and is used to find a level. When I worked for BR back in the 80s I remember seeing them and often wondered what they were for but never asked. This was taken at Richmond.

The second image is taken from the window of the train somewhere between Clapham Junction and Stratford and shows...well Im not sure what they are. They're yellow and are in the middle of the running rails. Any help in identifying these objects would be great. Thanks in advance

 

[swt_passenger]

The sliders (datum plates) define the track (nearest running rail) position with respect to the structure for use when maintaining the track. They are also one of the most popular subjects for questions by new posters!

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

The other devices are the visible part of track restraints, (lateral resistance anchors/plates) there is a vertical plate alongside and under the sleeper that acts like the keel of a boat, and helps to keep the sleeper in position. These modern type are allegedly easier to re-adjust. Earlier designs consisted of a simple steel plate bolted on the end of the sleeper.

Earlier thread here: http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=65528

Image of device here: http://www.vossloh-fastening-system...ukte/schwellenanker_sn/schwellenanker_sn.html

 

[Ships]

They're LRP's (as opposed to LERP's which go on the sleeper ends). They are required on curves radius 500yards I believe.

On the datum plate a green block signifies a design which the track should be set to whilst the red block is the dimensions when the datum plates were installed.

 

[michael769]

One question I have never seen come up about dataum plates.

On mast stations I go through the dataum plates seem to alternate with one fully "filled" out with measurements and slider and the next being "empty" except for the CPN which is usually the same as the preceding one but suffixed with a A.

What is the purpose of the "empty" ones? Spares?

 

[Joseph_Locke]

These modern type are allegedly easier to re-adjust. Earlier designs consisted of a simple steel plate bolted on the end of the sleeper.

No allegedly about it; the older style are an a**e to shift the sleepers to order, the new ones are not!