Railroad - Anti-derailment device for trains

In 1898, Beasley was awarded a patent for a "Means for preventing derailment of railroad-cars".[19] As higher train speeds were now attainable by the use of electric power, train tracks needed additional safeguards to reduce the possibility of derailment. Beasley's anti-derailment device is a combination of a guardrail and locking device. The guardrail uses a strong top flange (a protruding edge or rim), located at the inner side of the track rail, which engages with a detent (a mechanical catch) connected to the train. In the event of a train car about to derail, the detent and flange prevent the car from leaving the track and restore regular motion. The detent must be rigidly framed in position to avoid the risk of straining and being wrenched from its fastenings.[19]

Category:
Transportation - Railroad

Completion Status:
yes

Patent Number:
N/A