RAILWAY TRACK AND SWITCH WEATHER PROTECTION BARRIER SYSTEM

摘要

A railway track barrier system (20) that includes a barrier (56) extending along a rail (24) adjacent a switch (36) having an upper edge (120) adjacent a rail head (44) disposed within a wash zone (122) thereof formed of deflector elements (124, 126) movable relative to one another permitting railway vehicle wheel (48) and wash contact during train passage without barrier dislodgement or damage. The barrier (56) is formed of a deflector (128) obliquely inclined toward the head (44) and a downwardly extending skirt (138) that conforms to uneven railway bed and tie surfaces. A preferred barrier (30) is formed of oppositely extending brushes (140, 146) removably attached to a mounting bracket (60). The bracket (60) can be attached to a hinge assembly (72) that releasably latches the barrier (56) in an operating position and that can be unlatched permitting the barrier (56) to be swung away from the rail (24) to an inspection position. A hinge pin (108) with a manually graspable handle (106) can be removed to detach the barrier (56) for storage.