What is the function of anchor link in railway?
Jan 04, 2026
In railways, an "anchor link" can refer to two different crucial components: rail anchors prevent the track from shifting longitudinally (creeping), while bogie anchor links (or traction links) connect the train's body to its bogie, transferring forces and controlling movement for stability and comfort.
What is the function of anchor link in railway?
Rail anchors stop rails from moving due to temperature or braking, ensuring track integrity, while bogie anchor links allow controlled motion between the car body and bogie, acting as hinges with silent blocks to absorb shocks and manage dynamics on curves.
1. Rail Anchors (Track Fasteners)
- Function: Prevents longitudinal movement (creeping) of rails caused by temperature changes, braking, and traffic, which can disrupt gauge and alignment.
- Mechanism: Clamps onto the rail and presses against the sleeper (tie) to create friction, resisting the rail's tendency to slide forward or backward.
- Importance: Maintains track stability, prevents damage, and ensures safety, especially on grades or curves.
Types of rail anchors:
1. Rail anchors are always used in steel rails such as 50kg, 85kg, UIC54, UIC60, 90/91lb, 115RE, 136RE, just to name a few. We can produce T or V-shaped rail anchors as well as other types according to clients' requirements, by forging or casting.
| Type |
Used in 50Kg, 85Kg,90/91LB, 115RE /136RE ,UIC54 & UIC60 rail, or other types upon customers' drawings. |
||
| Material | 60Si2MnA | 45# | QT500-7 |
| Chemical composition(%) |
C:0.56-0.64, Mn:0.60-0.90, Si:1.60-2.00, Cr:≤0.35, P:≤0.03, S:≤0.03
|
C:0.42-0.50, Mn:0.50-0.80, Si:0.17-0.37, Cr:≤0.25, P:≤0.035, S:≤0.035 |
C:3.60-3.80, Mn:≤0.6, Si:2.50-2.90, P:≤0.08, S:≤0.025 |
| Surface | plain (oiled),color painting, zinc painted or HDG | ||
| Standard | AS1085.10-20002 , DIN, ISO-9001 | ||
2. Generally speaking, based on our former production experience, most common material for rail anchor production is 60Si2MnA, which is often used for rails such as 50kg, 70lb, 80lb, 90/91lb and so on.
| Type | Material | Weight(g/pc) |
|---|---|---|
| 50Kg | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
| 70LB | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
| 85LB | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
| 90/91LB | 60Si2MnA | 800 |
3. Rail anchors for Russia market : high grade ductile iron castings.
Application Rules of Rail Anchors
There are general rules on the application of rail anchors about how to use the rail anchors:
- In order to against the same tie face on opposite rails the rail anchors should be on the gage side of the rail base.
- Rail anchors have to hold the rail base firmly and tightly and have full bearing against rail tie face.
- When the bearing of rail anchor against the tie has been disturbed a new rail anchor and a rail tie will be needed.
- Rail anchors should not be moved by driving them along the rail.
- When the rail anchors are applied the rail ties should be kept straightened.
2. Bogie Anchor Links (Traction/Suspension Links)
- Function: Connects the coach body (car body) to the bogie (wheel assembly) in the secondary suspension system.
- Mechanism: Acts as a hinge (often with silent blocks) to allow the bolster (part of the bogie) to move relative to the frame, transmitting traction/braking forces while controlling movement.
- Importance: Manages vibration, provides rotational resistance, and ensures smooth ride comfort by controlling the dynamic interaction between the car body and bogie.
GNEE RAIL manufactures different types of rail anchors from special T shaped spring steel, after the forging and heat treatment it has advantage of uniform strength and lasting service. The anchors are used where the fastenings system requires an extra creep resisting arrangement. There are various shapes of the anchor which is made of rolled bars of various sections. When wheel runs on the rail, the railway anchor grips the rail firmly and when set against sleepers, resists longitudinal movement of the rails caused by passing trains.
