Advantages and Disadvantages of Measured Shovel Packing

Advantages and Disadvantages of MSP

Even though MSP is an excellent method of track maintenance, it does have its drawbacks. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of MSP.

Advantages of MSP

(a)  The work carried out is precise, wherein the track is worked upon as close to the tolerances as possible because of the finer adjustments that are permissible in MSP.

(b) The retentivity of packing, particularly for joint sleepers, is more in the case of MSP as compared to other modes of maintenance.

(c)  MSP gives increased output per gangman and is, therefore, economical.

(d) A minimum clean ballast cushion is not needed when work is done through MSP.

(e)  MSP does not require any traffic blocks.

(f)  MSP does not damage the undersides of wooden sleepers, which are otherwise damaged in manual methods of maintenance.

(g)  MSP is less strenuous and labourers do not shirk in doing the required work.

(h) The gangman and the supervisory staff are able to pick up the uncomplicated technique with very little training and experience.

Disadvantages of MSP

(a)  Normally, MSP can be done only in the case of flat-bottomed sleepers and this puts a severe limitation on the scope of its application.

(b) This procedure requires special size stone chips, which may not be easily available.

(c)  MSP is not effective in maintaining newly screened tracks. A consolidated bed is a prerequisite for maintaining a track by means of MSP.

(d) MSP makes use of delicate instruments and devices that can get damaged easily.

(e)  Although MSP is not a complicated process, it still requires a certain amount of skill, for which the labourers have to be educated and trained.