Vogel & Plötscher R Series User manual

Vogel & Plötscher GmbH & Co. KG Geldermannstrasse 4 D-79206 Breisach
Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone] - E-mail: [e-mail] - Web: www.vogelundploetscher.de
Operating Manual
R-Series Measuring Devices
(Models RA | RCA | RCS | RCFF)
Version 2.2 | 15.09.2020
© 2012 by Vogel & Plötscher GmbH & Co. KG

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Table of contents
1. General
2. Commissioning
2.1 Device description
2.2 Preparation
2.3 Calibrating the spirit level
3. Operation | Measurement
3.1 Measuring track gauge
3.2 Measuring flangeway clearance
3.3 Measuring check rail gauge
3.4 Measuring back-to-back distance
3.5 Measuring cant
4. Options
4.1 Option –T (separation)
4.2 Option –P (blade inspection adapter)
4.3 Option –H (crossing tip inclination)
4.4 Option –ZB (cogwheel operation)
4.5 Option –R20 (flangeway 20 mm)
4.6 Option –W (interchangeable bolt)
4.7 Option –RH (check rail height)
5. EC Declaration of Conformity
6. Technical data
7. Care and maintenance
7.1 Maintenance
7.2 Care
7.3 Contact details

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1. General
The measuring devices of the R-series (= models RA | RCA | RCS | RCFF) are analogue instruments
for the checking of vignole and grooved rails on railway and tram systems. The measuring devices are
modular in design, and can be custom-configured. In order to ensure correct application, please be
sure to comply with the nominal track gauges specified in chapter 6 (Technical data) as well as the
permissible measuring ranges.
The following track parameters can be measured depending on the model:
•Track gauge
•Check rail gauge
•Flangeway clearance
•Back-to-back distance
•Cant
The measuring devices' standard specification can be extended by a range of options.
Overview of R-series measuring devices and applications
Model
Track gauge
Flangeway
clearance
Check rail
gauge
Back-to-back
distance
Cant
RA
•
•
•
•
RCA
•
•
•
•
•
RCS
•
•
RCFF
•
•
Note: All models are insulated and are approved for use by Deutsche Bahn (DB AG).
Safe operation of the R-series measuring devices can only be assured if they are set up
and used in compliance with the instructions given. Any liability for personal injury or
damage to property resulting from use other than in compliance with instructions shall be
borne by the company operating the measuring device, not by the manufacturers.

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2. Commissioning
2.1 Device description
The measuring device consists of a solid anodised aluminium tube. In the separable variant (→
Options) the measuring device can be separated asymmetrically.
Figure 1: Device description for model RCA
Item 1: Broad contact
Item 2: Shifter for flangeway measurement (RA | RCA)
Item 3: Readout window for flangeway measurement (RA | RCA)
Item 4: Spirit level (RCA | RCS | RCFF)
Item 5: Carrying handle
Item 6: Pivot handle for cant (RCA | RCS | RCFF)
Item 7: Readout window for cant (RCA | RCS | RCFF)
Item 8: Blade inspection gauge (optional)
Item 9: Readout window for track gauge, check rail gauge and back-to-back distance
Item 10: Fine adjuster for track gauge, check rail gauge and back-to-back distance
Item 11: Narrow contact with interchangeable bolt (optional)

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2.2 Preparations
The measuring devices of the R-series are state-of-the-art units, guaranteeing a high degree of
reliability. However, that reliability can only be attained in practice if all the necessary measures are
taken. It falls within the duty of care of the company operating the measuring device to ensure that
those measures are taken, and to monitor their implementation.
The measuring devices may only be operated by personnel who are trained, instructed and authorised
to do so. The operating personnel must be familiar with the Operation Manual and must comply with
the instructions contained in it.
The following points must be observed before using the measuring device:
(1) Depending on the applicable (national) standards and regulations, it must be ensured where
appropriate that the scheduled date for calibration of the measuring device has not yet
passed (→Check inspection sticker on device).
(2) Check the measuring device for any damage or defects. Remove any foreign bodies from the
measuring bolts and contact surfaces.
(3) Check the correct functioning and accuracy of the track gauge measurement, and where
appropriate the flangeway clearance measurement, using a suitable instrument, such as a
type RV-21 test gauge.
(4) Check the correct functioning and settings of the spirit level (for details and procedure see
→Section 2.3).
The measuring device must be checked for visible damage prior to every measurement.
It must also be ensured that the measuring device is operated only when in proper
working order!

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2.3 Calibrating the spirit level
The spirit level must be checked and adjusted as necessary prior to use.
Preliminary remarks
The permissible tolerance for cant measurements is ± 1 mm.
The cant measurement fine adjuster mechanism is optimised for clockwise operation.
Procedure
On a section of track with a maximum cant of 20 mm, position the measuring device and measure the
cant (= 1st measurement). Then rotate the measuring device 180° and perform another cant
measurement (= 2nd measurement).
If the measurement results are identical with an inverted sign, or if they differ by less than 2 mm, no
adjustment is required.
If the measurement results differ by more than 2 mm, carefully re-adjust the spirit level using the
fixed adjuster screws. A correction of less than half a screw turn is normally enough.
Example
Result of 1st measurement: + 10 mm
Result of 2nd measurement: - 5 mm
Adjust the spirit level by the adjuster screws so that the result of the second measurement indicates a
value of -7.5 mm. Then re-check. The measurement results must then be +7.5 mm and -7.5 mm
respectively. If they are not, repeat the adjustment.

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3. Operation | Measurement
When measuring, both measuring bolts of the broad contact must be contacting on the rail
head in order to avoid measurement inaccuracies resulting from angle errors.
3.1 Measuring track gauge (RA | RCA | RCS | RCFF)
Position the measuring device on the track at the measuring point. With the fine adjuster, turn the
measuring bolt of the narrow contact towards the rail head as far as it will go. Read off the measured
value.
Figure 2: Measuring track width

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3.2 Measuring flangeway clearance (RA | RCA)
Position the measuring device on the track at the measuring point. Push the sliding bolt towards the
track construction (e.g. check rail or wing rail) until the measuring bolt makes contact. Read off the
measured value.
Figure 3: Measuring flangeway clearance
3.3 Measuring check rail gauge (RA |RCA)
Position the measuring device on the track at the measuring point. Fix it in place such that the
measuring bolt of the flangeway slider makes contact on the inside (i.e. on the check rail)! With the
fine adjuster, turn the measuring bolt of the narrow contact towards the crossing as far as it will go
and read off the measured value.
Figure 4: Measuring check rail gauge

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3.4 Measuring back-to-back distance (RA | RCA)
Position the measuring device on the track at the measuring point. Fix it in place such that the
measuring bolt of the flangeway slider makes contact on the inside (i.e. on the check rail)! With the
fine adjuster, turn the measuring bolt of the narrow contact towards the wing rail as far as it will go
and read off the measured value.
Figure 5: Measuring back-to-back distance

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3.5 Cant (RCA | RCS | RCFF)
Position the measuring device on the track at the measuring point. Turn the air bubble in the spirit
level to the zero setting using the cant pivot handle. Read off the measured value.
Figure 6: Measuring cant
Optimum cant measurement accuracy is assured when the measured value is
approached on the readout scale from left to right (= i.e. pivot handle moving clockwise).

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4. Options
4.1 Option -T (separation)
Separable measuring device variant (asymmetric).
Figure 7: Option -T (example: RCA-T)
Figure 8: Separating (turn anti-clockwise) Figure 9: Lateral adjustment of both section
Figure 10: Joining of the separation in reverse order

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4.2 Option -P (blade inspection adapter)
Detach the blade inspection adapter from the retaining bolt and slot it onto the measuring bolt. For
the test conditions refer to the relevant inspection standards.
Figure 11 Figure 12
4.3 Option -H (crossing tip inclination)
Position the measuring device on the crossing. Open the retainer and mount the height gauge on the
crossing. Read off the measured value directly from the scale. Crossing tip inclination measuring
range: 0 –20mm.
Figure 13: Option -H
4.4 Option -ZB (cogwheel operation)
The clearance (A) between the top of the rail and the bottom of the device can be increased as
required, such as to measure cogwheel rails (→Figure 14).
Figure 14: Option -ZB

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4.5 Option -R20 (flangeway 20 mm)
This option enables the measurement of grooved rails with flangeway clearances of ≥ 20 mm.
4.6 Option -W (changeable probes)
Changeable bolts can be used to adapt the measuring device variably to country-specific standards
and/or different rail types (e.g. vignole or grooved rail). Interchangeable bolts are available as
standard in the following variants and lengths:
- Cylindrical measuring probes (= variant Z)
- Shouldered “mushroom type”measuring probes (= variant A)
- Measuring probe lengths: 9 | 10 | 14 | 16 mm (in each case referred to rail surface)
All interchangeable probes have a screw thread and can be replaced on the measuring device by
screwing in and out.
Figure 15: Option –W
4.7 Option -RH (check rail height measuring device)
With this measuring device the height difference between the rail surface and the check rail surface
can be measured by shifting the measuring arm vertically onto the check rail.
Figure 16: Option -RH

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5. EC Declaration of Conformity
as per Annex II A of the Machinery Directive (98/37/EC)
The manufacturer:
Vogel & Plötscher GmbH + Co. KG
Geldermannstrasse 4
79206 Breisach
hereby declares that the
measuring devices described here of the type
RA | RCA | RCS | RCFF
comply with the following applicable
requirements:
Applied harmonised standards:
98/37/EC, Annex I
DIN EN ISO 12100-2, date: 2004
DIN EN 1050, date: 1997
Any design modifications which affect the technical data specified in the Operation
Manual or the designated use –that is to say, which materially alter the measuring device
–shall render this Declaration of Conformity invalid!
Breisach, 02.02.2021
__________________ _____________________________
Place, date Signature of CEO

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6. Technical data
Nominal track gauge 1435 mm
Measuring ranges(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Track gauge
1415 –1475 mm
1415 –1475 mm
1415 –1500 mm
1415 –1500 mm
Flangeway clearance
(TSI)
30 –83 (125) mm
30 –83 (125) mm
---
---
Check rail gauge
1385 –1405 mm
1385 –1405 mm
---
---
Back-to-back distance
1345 –1361 mm
1345 –1361 mm
---
---
Cant
---
-30 | +200 mm
-30 | +200 mm
-30 | +200 mm
Dimensions(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Length
1618 mm
1618 mm
1643 mm
1640 mm
Broad
100 mm
100 mm
100 mm
100 mm
Height
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
Weight
~ 2.5 kg
~ 2.5 kg
~ 2.5 kg
~ 2.5 kg
(*)
All data referred to standard measuring bar for measuring devices with 14 mm measuring bolts and with no optional extras.
Other measuring bars and measuring ranges possible on request.
Note
All models are insulated and approved for use by Deutsche Bahn (DB AG).

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Nominal track gauge 1000 mm
Measuring ranges(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Track gauge
980 –1040 mm
980 –1040 mm
985 –1065 mm
985 –1065 mm
Flangeway clearance
30 –83 mm
30 –83 mm
---
---
Check rail gauge
950 –970 mm
950 –970 mm
---
---
Back-to-back distance
910 –925 mm
910 –925 mm
---
---
Cant
---
-30 | +150 mm
-30 | +150 mm
-30 | +150 mm
Dimensions(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Length
1183 mm
1183 mm
1208 mm
1205 mm
Broad
100 mm
100 mm
100 mm
100 mm
Height
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
Weight
~ 2.3 kg
~ 2.3 kg
~ 2.3 kg
~ 2.3 kg
(*)
All data referred to standard measuring bar for measuring devices with 14 mm measuring bolts and with no optional extras.
Other measuring bars and measuring ranges possible on request.
Note
All models are insulated and approved for use by Deutsche Bahn (DB AG).

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Nominal track gauge 1067 mm
Measuring ranges(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Track gauge
1047 –1107 mm
1047 –1107 mm
1052 –1132 mm
1052 –1132 mm
Flangeway clearance
30 –83 mm
30 –83 mm
---
---
Check rail gauge
1017 –1037 mm
1017 - 1037 mm
---
---
Back-to-back distance
977 –992 mm
977 - 992 mm
---
---
Cant
---
-30 | +150 mm
-30 | +150 mm
-30 | +150 mm
Dimensions(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Length
1250 mm
1250 mm
1275 mm
1272 mm
Broad
100 mm
100 mm
100 mm
100 mm
Height
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
Weight
~ 2.3 kg
~ 2.3 kg
~ 2.3 kg
~ 2.3 kg
(*)
All data referred to standard measuring bar for measuring devices with 14 mm measuring bolts and with no optional extras.
Other measuring bars and measuring ranges possible on request.
Note
All models are insulated and approved for use by Deutsche Bahn (DB AG).

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Nominal track gauge 1524 mm
Measuring ranges(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Track gauge
1504 - 1564 mm
1509 - 1572 mm
1509 –1589 mm
1509 –1589 mm
Flangeway clearance
(TSI)
30 –83 (125) mm
30 –83 (125) mm
---
---
Check rail gauge
1474 –1494 mm
1465 –1490 mm
---
---
Back-to-back distance
1434 –1449 mm
1420 –1445 mm
---
---
Cant
---
-30 | +200 mm
-30 | +200 mm
-30 | +200 mm
Dimensions(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Length
1707 mm
1707 mm
1732 mm
1729 mm
Broad
100 mm
100 mm
100 mm
100 mm
Height
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
Weight
~ 2.5 kg
~ 2.5 kg
~ 2.5 kg
~ 2.5 kg
(*)
All data referred to standard measuring bar for measuring devices with 14 mm measuring bolts and with no optional extras.
Other measuring bars and measuring ranges possible on request.
Note
All models are insulated and approved for use by Deutsche Bahn (DB AG).

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Nominal track gauge 1668 mm
Measuring ranges(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Track gauge
1648 –1708 mm
1648 –1708 mm
1653 –1733 mm
1653 –1733 mm
Flangeway clearance
(TSI)
30 –83 (125) mm
30 –83 (125) mm
---
---
Check rail gauge
1618 –1638 mm
1618 –1638 mm
---
---
Back-to-back distance
1578 –1593 mm
1578 –1593 mm
---
---
Cant
---
-30 | +200 mm
-30 | +200 mm
-30 | +200 mm
Dimensions(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Length
1851 mm
1851 mm
1876 mm
1873 mm
Broad
100 mm
100 mm
100 mm
100 mm
Height
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
Weight
~ 2.6 kg
~ 2.6 kg
~ 2.6 kg
~ 2.6 kg
(*)
All data referred to standard measuring bar for measuring devices with 14 mm measuring bolts and with no optional extras.
Other measuring bars and measuring ranges possible on request.
Note
All models are insulated and approved for use by Deutsche Bahn (DB AG).

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Nominal track gauge 1676 mm
Measuring ranges(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Track gauge
1656 –1716 mm
1656 –1716 mm
1661 –1741 mm
1661 –1741 mm
Flangeway clearance
(TSI)
30 –83 (125) mm
30 –83 (125) mm
---
---
Check rail gauge
1626 –1646 mm
1626 –1646 mm
---
---
Back-to-back distance
1584 –1601 mm
1584 –1601 mm
---
---
Cant
---
-30 | +200 mm
-30 | +200 mm
-30 | +200 mm
Dimensions(*)
RA
RCA
RCS
RCFF
Length
1859 mm
1859 mm
1884 mm
1881 mm
Broad
104 mm
104 mm
104 mm
104 mm
Height
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
163 mm
Weight
~ 2.6 kg
~ 2.6 kg
~ 2.6 kg
~ 2.6 kg
(*)
All data referred to standard measuring bar for measuring devices with 14 mm measuring bolts and with no optional extras.
Other measuring bars and measuring ranges possible on request.
Note
All models are insulated and approved for use by Deutsche Bahn (DB AG).