Railways: Essentials of a Well Laid Out Locomotive Shed

Essentials of a Well Laid Out Locomotive Shed

A locomotives shed should satisfy the following conditions.

(a)  As far as possible, the design of the shed should allow the engines to move only in one direction. The multidirectional movement of the engine, apart from creating unsafe conditions, would invariably slow the engine down and cause them to be unduly detained.

(b) The design should be such that the time taken by the engine in passing through the shed is reduced to the minimum.

(c)  The layout should be such that it is possible to skip one or more stages of servicing, as all engines do not require the entire cycle of servicing.

(d) There should be adequate stabling accommodation, both covered and open, for all engines.

(e)  There should be adequate facilities for the servicing and repairs of engines.

(f)  There should be a separate shed for carrying out heavy repairs involving the lifting of engines or dropping of wheels.

(g)  It should be provided with an adequate water supply for the servicing of locomotives as well as for domestic use.

(h) There should be provision for stores and a tool room for general maintenance and repair work. Adequate office accommodation should also be made available for the supervisors and the staff.

(i)  The sequence of operations normally followed in locomotive sheds is as follows: inspection ® cooling ® turning ® fire cleaning ® placement

® repairs ® outgoing inspection ® departure to traffic yard.