Case Study

Overview

WMATA needed to replace its stationary drop table at the Shady Grove S&I shop due to excessive maintenance costs and aging parts. Railquip provided a custom-designed solution that was more cost-effective than a rebuild and was installed in a shorter time frame, incorporating new safety features to improve operational efficiency.

– Our Process

1. Identifying the Problem

WMATA’s aging drop table required frequent maintenance and had become costly to operate. The track alignment from the main shop floor to the basement was perpendicular, necessitating a manually operated turntable to move bogies on and off the drop table.

2. Proposing the Solution

Railquip collaborated with a manufacturer specializing in similar equipment to design a custom solution that fit WMATA’s existing equipment pit. This approach offered a more cost-effective alternative to rebuilding the system, complete with a new warranty.

3. Winning the Bid

Though the original bid was to rebuild the existing equipment, Railquip proposed a custom solution that was more affordable and included upgraded safety features, ultimately winning the bid.  

4. Implementation

The new equipment was installed faster than the original rebuild would have taken, fully satisfying WMATA’s requirements while introducing advanced safety features.    

– The Results

The new equipment provided by Railquip was less expensive than rebuilding the original system, and it was installed in a shorter time frame. Enhanced safety features and self-monitoring systems were added, increasing employee safety and reducing operational downtime

Key Specifications:

System: Drop table and manually operated turntable

Location: Shady Grove S&I Shop, WMATA

Function: Lifts and lowers locomotive bogies between the main floor and basement for repairs and storage.

New features: Advanced safety, automated monitoring, and a custom design to fit the existing pit.

“I had the pleasure of working with Railquip’s team on a new drop table for DC’s Metro system. This equipment was new according to the historical specifications and resulted in a comprehensive and advanced solution that supported the owner’s needs for increased, open competition. Railquip’s leadership, both at HQ and on the project, provided exceptional responsiveness to our requirements, helping the owner deploy the new drop table and developing a new contractor and supplier for future needs.”— Jeffrey Mertens, Project Manager

Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

The product used in this project included a custom-designed drop table and manually operated turntable, tailored to fit the existing infrastructure at WMATA’s Shady Grove facility. These products were engineered to maximize operational efficiency, allow smooth movement of bogies between floors, and meet rigorous safety standards.

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The Benefits of a Drop Turntable

  • Cost-effective: The custom solution was more affordable than rebuilding the original system.
  • Faster Installation: The new equipment was installed in a shorter period compared to the rebuild.
  • Enhanced Safety:Advanced safety features and monitoring systems were added to protect employees and minimize downtime.
  • Custom Design:The new equipment was designed to fit into the existing pit, avoiding major modifications to the existing infrastructure.
Single axle drop table showing precise and stable support for axle servicing, facilitating efficient and safe maintenance in rail and vehicle workshops.

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