Bangårdsanläggningar

Bangårdsanläggningar, often translated as "marshalling yards" or "hump yards," are specialized railway facilities designed for the sorting and assembly of freight train wagons. Their primary function is to efficiently break down incoming trains and reorganize their wagons into new trains destined for different locations. This process is crucial for optimizing railway logistics and ensuring timely delivery of goods.

The most common type of bangårdsanläggning utilizes a gravity-assisted system known as a hump. A locomotive pushes the wagons to the crest of a gently sloping incline, the "hump." Once uncoupled, the wagons roll down the other side by gravity, passing through a series of tracks called "sidings" or "tracks." Switch points, often remotely controlled, direct each wagon to its designated siding based on its destination. Wagons destined for the same outgoing train are collected in the same siding.

Other types of bangårdsanläggningar may employ different methods for sorting, such as using locomotives to push and pull wagons through a network of tracks. These facilities are complex engineering feats, requiring intricate track layouts, signaling systems, and often automated processes to manage the constant movement of wagons. They are vital components of national and international freight transportation networks, enabling the efficient flow of commerce by rail. The design and operation of these yards are subject to strict safety regulations due to the inherent risks associated with moving heavy rolling stock.