The B24C metre gauge tamping machine again is state of the art.
The sustainable retrofit enabled us to save a considerable amount of CO₂ when compared to building a new machine.
The B24C, which was built in 1991, has two tamping boxes that can be moved sideways to ensure optimum tamping of track and switches. The machine is often used on railways that can only be reached using road transport, as it is shorter and lighter than the large universal tamping machines of the B40UM type.
After a thorough examination of the machine and market clarifications, Sersa Maschineller Gleisbau AG made the decision to have the machine retrofitted by the machine manufacturer Matisa. The machine frame and the railway engineering components such as axles, bogies and traction/shock devices were in good condition and could be taken over. The clamp, the control system, the measuring technology and the entire electrical system were replaced with the latest generation. The hydraulics were adjusted and the cabins were given a refresh. A replacement diesel engine had already been overhauled and used before the retrofit. The guidance computer was replaced by SMG with a current version of “PALAS light” and the absolute guidance of the tamping machine was achieved with the aid of a tachymeter.
The machine went back into operation successfully in June 2021 after just under six months and was first used on the Gais-Altstätten line by the Appenzeller Bahnen in the rack. The tachymeter was used to measure the precise tamping of the track before starting. The team, led by the head machine operator Thomas Zimmermann, became familiar with the improvements quickly, and the new operating concept with touchscreen and joysticks demonstrated its worth right from the start.
