Access Systems for Train Maintenance
Across decades of industry evolution, the engineering team at 3JB Ltd has pioneered bespoke access solutions for nearly every class of train operating on the UK and Irish networks. Our expertise span the full vehicle profile, including specialised Nose End Access, Side & Door Systems, Roof-Level Gantries, and high-durability Pit Boards.
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Every project is a custom engineering challenge. We have developed some generic formats that are then tailored to the depot and task specifics.
Rolling Roof Access
Rolling gantry systems for roof inspection, pantograph maintenance, and air handling unit removal.
Carriage Side Access
Castor-mounted aluminium platforms with single or double stairways, tool storage, and electrical connectors.
Windscreen Access
Profiled platforms accommodating floor, centre-pit, and raised rail roads for windscreen replacement.
Pit Bridges
Centre and side pit bridging boards rated up to 500 kg UDL, compatible with all pit types.
Rolling Roof Access System
The Rolling Roof Access Gantry is engineered to provide a comprehensive safety environment for high-level maintenance tasks.
Designed to withstand the demanding conditions of a busy rail depot, these systems offer a versatile workspace that eliminates the need for personnel to walk directly on the carriage roof. Whether performing routine inspections or major structural repairs, the gantry provides a stable, robust platform that can be tailored to suit any depot footprint. Every unit is manufactured from high-grade Aluminium, though bespoke options in Carbon Steel or non-conductive GRP are available to meet specific electrical or environmental requirements.
- • Optimised clearance for the inspection and removal of Pantographs and Air Handling Units.
- • Specialised telescopic or 'drawbridge' sections that close the gap between the gantry and the vehicle for seamless, fall-proof access.
- • Built for longevity using heavy-duty materials like Aluminium, Carbon Steel & non-conductive GRP – tailored to the specific rigours of the maintenance shed.
- • Fully customisable configurations to integrate with existing overhead lines and infrastructure.
Roof guardrail system
3JB Ltd can provide a modern version of an old roof access system commonly known as the folding roof guardrail system. The folding roof guardrail provides a safe enclosed area on the carriage roof. Draw bridge platforms are used to infill the gap between the platform and the roof of the vehicle.
Permanent Walkway and Powered Access
Dependent upon the Depots configuration and requirements, alternative access can be obtained by a Suspended Walkway, mast boom or scissor lift with modified slide out deck to allow access onto the carriage roof
Carriage Side Access
Most carriage side access platforms will be of a simple castor mounted aluminium construction. However this simplicity masks the wide variety of options and choices available.
The main types used consist of single or double access stairways, with heights to suit either floor mounted or raised rail roads. The length of platforms can be easily tailored to fit the width of a door or even the length of side windows to enable damaged windows to be changed.
Alternative designs are often used were roads have a specific function within the depot. These platforms may be mounted on simple rail wheels, which tie the unit to the specific road.
They can often incorporate such additional equipment as tool storage boxes, electrical plug and socket connectors, both at the base for mains connection and at the platform level for use within the carriage. Finally pneumatic air lines can be installed in much the same way as the electrical connectors.
Materials for construction can vary to suit the clients site requirements, typical materials are mill finished aluminium or painted / galvansed carbon steel. However, alternatives such as glass reinforced plastic or fiberglass can be utilised.
Windscreen Access
A wide range of activities take place in both the manufacture and the maintenance of a train set on or around the windscreen area. These can range from replacement of a full windscreen panel to wipers and headlight maintenance.
A variety of road types are found within depots and manufacturing sites from floor mounted rail, centre and side pit roads and raised rail. 3JB Ltd have developed a range of Windscreen Access Platforms that can accommodate one or even all three types of road that occur.
The advantages of our Windscreen Access Platform:
- • Increased levels of staff safety
- • Improved access to windscreen
- • Robust construction to suit the railway environment
- • Floor and/or rail mounted
- • Profiled decking to suit shape of car
- • Aluminium or steel construction
- • Non conductive GRP designs can be developed
- • Parking jack option available
- • Designed to suit each depots specific needs
Pit Bridges
Access across pits in all areas of maintenance depots can present serious problems when working with a number of different types of train set.
When fabricated from aluminium, detachable handrails can be incorporated within almost all pit bridge designs. Working capacities of the boards can be sized to accommodate the requirements of the customers needs. These can range from simple man access up to 500kg UDL for removal of components from the underside of the car. With the use of carbon steel increased working capacities can be achieved as required by the client
Advantages of our Pit bridge:
- • Light weight aluminium construction
- • Up to 500KG safe working loads as standard
- • Centre or side pit variations manufactured to suit depot requirements
- • Special end hooks fit into standard rail section
- • Removable handrail option available
- • Available in width multiples of 250mm Side Pit Bridge
- • 750mm wide pit board is less than 25kg for manual handling
- • Can be left in position whilst rolling stock is using the road
- • Multiple pit boards can be positioned side by side to create a large work area
Specialist Access for Complex Infrastructure
3JB Ltd provides end-to-end design, fabrication, and installation of bespoke access systems. Whether it’s maintaining a national rail fleet or securing safe passage in a heritage theatre, we leverage advanced materials and rigorous site surveys to ensure your team can work safely, anywhere.
Get in Touch
Contact our team today to discuss your requirements or schedule an initial consultation.