Small Traverser Big Challenge

February 20, 2014

Only months after installing the UK’s largest capacity traverser at the Port of Felixstowe, Mechan has secured an order for another.

Thanks to our on-going links with Volker Fitzpatrick, we have been asked to build a traverser for the new Paint Shop at Ilford depot, being constructed as part of London’s Cross Rail project.

Although it will be smaller than its counterpart in Felixstowe, crossing just two roads, the machine will be able to carry up to 130 tonnes, to accommodate freight locomotives. It will be used inside the paint facility to move carriages and locos from the shot blasting area to the paint booths.

The challenge for our engineers was shortening the design and manufacture process to meet tight deadlines. Fortunately, they’ve passed with flying colours and the traverser will be in place early this summer.