Re: trams riding on flanges

["Ron Bennell" <rbennell@teleport.com>]

"James Robinson" <wascana@my-deja.com> wrote in message
39DCCB0F.B732423F@my-deja.com">news:39DCCB0F.B732423F@my-deja.com...
> Chris wrote:
> >
> > I was wondering if the practice of Melbourne trams bearing the full
> > weight of the tram on it flanges as it goes across crossings and points
> > is safe?
>
> That is common practice on street railways around the world, but has
> not, as yet, found its way to heavy rail services.  The bottom of the
> flangeway rises as it approaches the break in the rail where another
> track crosses.  The wheelset then is lifted onto the flange, and the
> tread will not have to bang across the rail break.  The idea is to
> reduce the noise from passing trams for nearby residents, and reduce the
> pounding on the specialwork.  The wheels can easily withstand this type
> of operation, and are in fact designed to do so.
Is this practice used on gauge seperating turnouts in Vic.   I think that
there is(was) one at the north end of Spencer St No1 platform.