Overhead Cranes Build Next Generation Trains for London Overground

Jan. 20, 2011 - PRLog -- Street Crane Company is playing a vital role at Bombardier’s Derby factory in the building of new trains to revitalise the capital’s commuter services.   Two new overhead cranes from Street are used in the final assembly of new Electrostar overground trains programme, contributing to the safety and productivity of the production operations.

“Bombardier’s demanding brief required advanced factory cranes to ensure safe, continuous and flexible working in an intensive 24/7 production environment,” explained Street Crane sales director Gus Zona.  Two identical cranes of 20 tonne safe working load have been installed.  Twin ZX series ten-tonne hoists are fitted to both cranes, for maximum flexibility.  The cranes can be used independently during the assembly of the carriages, but are designed for tandem operation when lifting and moving complete vehicle bodies.

All travel motions are under inverter control.  This ensures safe acceleration and deceleration, load stability and provides precision low speed final placement.  The cranes can transport loads at speeds of 40 metres/min in long travel down the 180 metre long workshop.  Cross travel speeds of 20 metres per minute can be obtained and hoist speeds of up to four metres/min.  

Audible alarms warn of crane advance as they move up the workshop.  Anti collision devices provide an additional safeguard when the two cranes are operated independently.  For tandem crane lifts and transportation a unified radio-based control system is used to ensure the complete synchronisation of all movements.

Many of the Bombardier Electrostar trains have already been delivered and will service the London Overground to the north and east of the capital.  Bombardier’s Derby factory is working a three shift system to complete the order.


More information
Gus Zona, Sales Director, Tel. 01298 812456 Fax. 01298 814 945
Street Crane Company, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, SK23 0PH, UK
E-Mail: admin@streetcrane.co.uk Web: www.streetcrane.co.uk

High resolution images are at www.ainsmag.co.uk/st165/4837st1a-bombardier-cranes.htm

# # #

Street Crane Company is the UK's largest manufacturer of electric overhead travelling cranes (EOTCs) and a major exporter of hoists, components and controls to crane makers in overseas markets. Cranes and hoists are available up to 200 tonnes safe working load. Single and double girder gantry, semi Goliath and Goliath cranes are produced. Special cranes and automated crane controls can be engineered to cope with unusual site conditions or load handling and lifting requirements.