Albeit tiny, fastening systems are important to railroads and transit systems worldwide, as they hold everything in place.
Gripping
fastening systems
The Amsted RPS Loadmaster from its install on the Eagle P3 line in Denver, Colo.
by Jennifer Nunez, assistant editor
T
rack fastening systems are seeing steady and increasing business from the Class 1s, shortlines and transits, as suppliers produce these ever-important pieces to keep track in place.
Amsted RPS
Amsted says 2014 has been a steady year of growth. The company says it takes great pride in listening to customers and as railroads evolve, new developments and initiatives for the Amsted RPS line of fastening solutions do, as well. Amsted RPS says it has expanded its product portfolio to support the industry’s growth. After its introduction of the ME63 “Skl” style system for heavy-haul applications last fall, the company launched production of the Amsted RPS e-clip style, elastic fastener clip began, which it manufactures in its Atchison, Kan., facility and is made for use on all types of track, from heavy haul to transit. “The Amsted RPS e-clip is produced with an innovative 14 Railway Track & Structures
July 2014
low-stress manufacturing process that significantly improves performance and enhances the working range of the clip, offering an improved fatigue limit for long life and reduced maintenance costs,” explained John Stout, vice president of sales and marketing. During 2014, Amsted RPS focused on the development of fastening systems that last the life of the rail to minimize maintenance and maximize track utilization. “ We c o n t i n u a l l y l o o k f o r n e w m at e r i a l s a n d manufacturing techniques that move our products towards the optimal performance combination of durability and resilience, while still being easy to install and maintain,” said Stout. “To support this trend, Amsted RPS has added more than 30 new products over the past three years to our portfolio.” Last year, Amsted RPS entered into a joint venture with Switzerland-based Schwihag AG to manufacture “Skl” style rail fastening systems for global heavy-haul customers. www.rtands.com