How Do You Know Which Rail Scale Is Most Applicable To You?

At a glance

• Site Inspection: Assess accessibility, drainage, and soil-bearing qualities of the installation site before choosing a rail scale.
• Key Considerations: Factor in available space, realism, market variety, budget, skill level, and themes.
• Types of Rail Scales: In-motion, static, above-ground, pit-type, portable, and fixed scales cater to different needs.

 

Choosing a rail scale is a decision that needs your utmost consideration. This decision should consider both time and cost, as it is such an essential asset for many businesses. Countless aspects need to be addressed before you select a scale to suit your needs.

Before you start looking for the right scale, proper inspection of the site of installation is important. Ask yourself a few questions – is the site for installation easily accessible? Does the area drain adequately? Does it have soil-bearing qualities to protect the rail scale?

Whether you’re setting up a model railroad as a hobby or looking for a commercial rail scale for industrial purposes, understanding the key considerations will ensure that you select the best fit for your specific requirements.

Key Considerations in Choosing an Appropriate Rail Scale

 

Before diving into the types of rail scales, it’s essential to understand the foundational factors that influence your choice.

The space you have available, the level of realism you desire, the variety of products on the market, your budget, your skill level, and the themes you’re interested in are all pivotal in guiding your decision.

Each of these factors plays a significant role in determining the most suitable rail scale for your project or operational needs.

Types of Rail Scales

Rail scales come in various forms, each designed to meet different requirements and operational environments. These include

In-motion scales: Ideal for operations that require the weighing of trains without stopping them, enhancing efficiency.

Static scales: Used for accurate weighing of stationary trains, offering precision where it’s needed most.

Above-ground scales: Suitable for locations where excavation is not possible or desired.

Pit-type scales: These are installed in a pit, allowing the rail to be flush with the ground for easy loading and unloading.

Portable scales: Perfect for temporary sites or situations where the scale needs to be moved frequently.

Fixed scales: These are permanently installed and offer stability and long-term reliability.

Load Capacity and Scale Size

The load capacity and size of the rail scale are vital considerations. They must align with the weight and size of the trains you intend to weigh. For model railroads, this translates into choosing a scale that fits your available space and accommodates the intricacy of your layout. In commercial settings, it involves selecting a scale capable of handling the maximum load you expect to measure.

Accuracy and Precision Requirement

Accuracy and precision are paramount in rail scales. The level required will depend on your specific needs. For hobbyists, a balance between realism and manageability might be key, whereas, for commercial operations, precision in weighing can be critical for billing, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Understanding and adhering to legal and regulatory requirements is essential, especially for commercial rail scales. These scales must often be certified for trade, ensuring they meet strict accuracy standards. Compliance not only avoids legal issues, but also instils confidence in the measurements obtained.

Integration with Existing Systems

The ability to integrate the rail scale with existing operational systems can enhance efficiency and data management. Whether it’s for a model railroad setup or an industrial application, choosing a scale that can seamlessly connect with other systems will provide a more cohesive and functional setup.

Foundation and Installation Requirements

The foundation and installation requirements can vary significantly between different types of rail scales. Considering the complexity and cost of installation is crucial. Some scales may require extensive groundwork and infrastructure, while others can be easily installed with minimal preparation.

Budget Considerations

Budget is a determining factor in the selection of a rail scale. The cost can vary widely depending on the type, size, and features of the scale. Smaller scales and portable options may be more budget-friendly, whereas larger, more complex systems may require a significant investment. It’s important to balance your requirements with the available budget to find the most cost-effective solution.

Best railway scales and weighbridges on the market

 

After the evaluation of the site, you will then have to decide what type of scale is most appropriate for your application and what the fundamental reason for weighing is. Rail Scales can be used for weighing a rail car during a loading or unloading process to provide the net weight of materials and establish safe load limits.  Alternatively, scales can be used during the manufacture of maintenance periods to develop if a rail vehicle is well-balanced and, in turn, safe to run on the infrastructure.

Rail scales and weighbridges tend to fall into different categories, such as pit-type scales, low-profile scales (above-ground rail scales), portable scales, and fixed rail scales. Trakblaze has developed unique solutions for all types of rail scales and weighbridges that can fulfil the specific needs of any customer’s operations.

When you know what to look out for and what you need when purchasing a railway scale, the buying process becomes a lot easier. To help you a bit, here is a list of some of the best railway scales and weighbridges on the market:

Mobile Train Weigher (MTW)

Mobile Train Weigher rail scale is one of the most convenient, safe and accurate train weighing systems. The best feature of this rail scale is that it is portable, and you can take the scale to the train. Installation of MTW takes 15 minutes and is adaptable to any track and location worldwide. Also, it is factory pre-calibrated, so that means no on-site calibration is required.

Infinity-LS (Low Speed)

The Infinity LS (Low Speed) rail scale is ideal and is a slow-speed weigh-in-motion (up to 15kph) solution for industrial, mine load-outs, agricultural & concrete plants, power stations, steel mills and many others. This rail scale provides the operator with axle, bogie and wagon weight data in real time.

Infinity- HS (High Speed)

The Infinity HS (High Speed) is a high-speed, in-motion rail weighbridge. Infinity HS is capable of weighing trains at a speed of up to 80km/hr, depending on the track/site condition and test train/rolling stock. This rail scale is highly accurate and uses reliable load cell technology.

TRAKMATE

The TRAKMATE Rail Workshop weighing system can be configured to the existing infrastructure of the required location. Its high accuracy and ease of installation make this the ideal tool for any manufacturing or maintenance depot.

All of these rail scales are available from Trakblaze. They specialise in products particularly designed for the rail, road, mining and aviation industries.

Trakblaze was the first company in the world to accurately achieve a high-speed in-motion train weighing 85 km/h. If you also want the best scales and weighbridges for your business, contact Trakblaze.

 

In conclusion, selecting the most applicable rail scale involves a careful analysis of your specific needs, considering factors such as the type of scale, load capacity, accuracy requirements, legal compliance, integration capabilities, installation needs, and budget.

Remember, the goal is to choose a rail scale that not only meets your current needs but also accommodates future requirements, ensuring a long-term, satisfactory investment. By taking the time to research and evaluate your options, you can ensure that the rail scale you select is the perfect fit for your vision and goals.