Introduction

This case study highlights the successful partnership between McGinley Support Services and South Western Railway on the Isle of Wight. Our role in this project was pivotal in ensuring the maintenance and safety of the railway infrastructure through our specialised inspection and grinding services. This project serves as a testament to our capability and commitment to providing top-tier recruitment and technical services within the infrastructure sector.

Project Overview

For this contract, McGinley Support Services provided bi-monthly maintenance support to South Western Railway. Over the course of the contract, our team of skilled inspectors and technicians carried out detailed inspections and essential maintenance on the railway’s switches and crossings.

Scope of Work

Every 12 weeks, a team of two inspectors was deployed to perform comprehensive 1054/053 inspections on 14 sets of switches and crossings. The inspections focused on identifying various defects and hazards, which were then meticulously documented and reported back to the client. Key inspection points included:

 

053 Inspections:

  • Side-worn stock or switch rail
  • Head wear
  • Visible cracking on gauge face
  • Material breaking off
  • Checking radius
  • Flange climb
  • Seating gap under switch rails

1054 Inspections:

  • Visual defects on transfer area
  • Wear on wings and nose
  • Dip angles of the crossing
  • Quality of crossing
  • Shelling and cracking
  • Train running condition
  • Cracks on the foot or apron
  • Squats and Gauge Corner Cracking (GCC)
  • Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT)
  • Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
  • Tri Metal Zone (TMZ) area inspection

Execution and Results

Upon identification of defects, we collaborated with South Western Railway to plan and execute the necessary maintenance actions. Our welders and grinders were dispatched to address the defects through methods such as Arc welding and profile grinding. These interventions were crucial in mitigating potential hazards and ensuring the smooth operation of the railway network.

The adherence to NR-L2-TRK standards throughout our work ensured high-quality and safety compliance, significantly reducing the frequency of defects and enhancing the overall reliability of the railway infrastructure.

National Capability

While our work on the Isle of Wight is a shining example of our expertise, McGinley Support Services is equipped to deliver welding, grinding, and burning services across various routes nationally. Our current contract covers several key routes, including:

  • East Midlands
  • East Coast Main Line
  • Western
  • HS1
  • Wales
  • North West
  • North East
  • Scotland

This national contract not only encompasses six of the fourteen major routes but also provides us with access to the remaining routes through our High Output operations, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support.

 

Conclusion

The Isle of Wight South Western Railway Inspection & Grinding Works project underscores McGinley Support Services' dedication to excellence and our ability to deliver critical infrastructure maintenance services. Our strategic approach, combined with our national reach and specialised workforce, positions us as a trusted partner for railway maintenance and inspection projects across the UK.

For further information on our services or to discuss how we can support your infrastructure needs, please contact McGinley Support Services.

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