växlingsteknik

Växlingsteknik refers to the methods and practices employed in the operation of railway rolling stock, primarily locomotives and multiple units, to move them within a railway yard or depot. The main goal of växlingsteknik is to assemble, disassemble, and rearrange trains, as well as to move locomotives to and from their assigned tracks or servicing facilities. This process is crucial for efficient railway operations, enabling the timely formation of outgoing trains and the servicing of incoming ones.

The core of växlingsteknik involves the use of a shunting locomotive, often referred to as a "växellok" or "rangierlokomotive." These locomotives are typically smaller and less powerful than mainline locomotives but possess high tractive effort at low speeds, making them ideal for the frequent starting and stopping associated with shunting. The shunting process involves carefully pushing or pulling individual wagons or entire sets of wagons to different tracks within the yard. This requires skilled operators who understand the track layout, the weight and composition of the rolling stock, and the braking characteristics.

Common techniques within växlingsteknik include the "hump yard" system, where wagons are pushed over a raised point (the hump) and then released to roll down onto designated sorting tracks by gravity. Another method is "flat shunting," where wagons are moved directly to their intended tracks using the shunting locomotive. Safety is paramount in växlingsteknik, with strict protocols in place to prevent accidents, such as runaways, derailments, or collisions. This includes proper communication between the shunter and the locomotive driver, secure coupling and uncoupling procedures, and adherence to speed limits.