WO2018011544A1

WO2018011544A1 - Apparatus for lifting and moving a rail

Info

Publication number: WO2018011544A1
Application number: PCT/GB2017/051957
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Francis Mcculloch
Original assignee: W & D Mcculloch Ltd.
Priority date: 2016-07-12
Filing date: 2017-07-03
Publication date: 2018-01-18
Also published as: EP3485090B1; EP3485090A1; ES2895388T3; GB201612065D0

Abstract

A rail lifting head (100) comprises a post member (104) having a lifting point (102) at its upper end adapted to be lifted by a lifting means (12) of a rail moving apparatus (10); two transverse beam portions (106A, 106B) extending on opposite sides of the post member (104) and cantilevered from the lower end of the post member; a rail bearing surface (110) provided on the transverse beam; and a number of rail retention pins (116) and rail retention blocks (114) which are removably mounted on the rail bearing surface. The rail lifting head (100) can be used with a railway rail handling apparatus (10) configured for track side operation comprising first and second ground engaging means (28) arranged on opposite sides of the apparatus and a support frame (14, 16, 18) spanning between the first and second ground engaging means (28). The rail lifting head (100) can be arranged on the support frame between the first and second ground engaging means (28).

Description

APPARATUS FOR LIFTING AND MOVING A RAIL Field of invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for lifting and moving a railway rail and a method of lifting and moving railway rails using such apparatus.

Background to invention

Railway maintenance may involve replacing railway rails when they are worn. It is known within the railway maintenance industry to use apparatus that runs on an existing railway to lift worn rails and lay replacement rails. Recent years have seen the introduction of trackside rail handling apparatus, which can lift and transpose rails without having to use apparatus which runs on a railway.

EP1733096A discloses a railway rail handling apparatus for lifting and transposing railway rails. A rail moving means depends from a chassis supported on two spaced apart support frames, which are each supported on a continuous chain tread. On the chassis are supported a pneumatic system, a diesel generator and a user control, which provide pneumatic actuation, generation and user control of the railway rail handling apparatus in accordance with known techniques. The diesel generator provides motive power for the railway rail handling apparatus. The rail moving means comprises an elongate telescopic body, the upper part of which is mounted on the chassis by means of a coupling, which provides for swivelling and/or rotation of the rail moving means relative to the chassis. A pin can be inserted by an operator into an upper part of the rail moving means to arrest swivelling and/or rotation relative to the chassis.

At the lower end of the rail moving means there is provided a lifting head for accommodating a rail. The lifting head has two spaced apart side members extending down from a top plate and defining an aperture, and a lower roller spaced from the top plate and extending between the two side members. A rail can be lifted into the aperture with the roller removed, and the roller replaced while the rail is held in the aperture. The rail is then lowered to be supported by the roller and engaged by the lifting head. As the apparatus moves along the ground, the lifting head urges the rail to move laterally to align the rail to the position of the lifting head. The aperture is of sufficient dimensions to accommodate discontinuities and projections encountered on a surface of a rail, as the rail moving means is moved along the rail.

The known apparatus is capable of transposing one rail at a time.

There is a need for a rail moving apparatus which can operate trackside and lift and carry more than one rail at a time.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which enables a railway rail handling apparatus means to lift and move more than one rail at a time, either multiple single rails, or switch heads.

Multi rail lifting head

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a rail lifting head comprising:

a post member having a lifting point at its upper end adapted to be lifted by a lifting means of a rail moving apparatus;

a transverse beam secured to the lower end of the post member;

a rail bearing surface provided on the transverse beam; and

one or more rail retention members removably mounted on the rail bearing surface.

Preferably the lifting point includes at least one lifting boss.

Preferably the transverse beam includes first and second transverse beam portions arranged on opposite sides of the post member. Preferably the first and second transverse beam portions are canti levered from the post member.

The rail bearing surface may be provided with a plurality of sockets for receiving said rail retention members. The rail retention members may include retention pins. The pins may be adapted to fit in the sockets on the rail bearing surface.

The rail lifting head may include a pin stowage member adapted to store a plurality of retention pins. The pin stowage member may comprise a slotted rack, the slots being dimensioned to retain heads provided on the pins.

The rail retention members may include retention blocks. Each block may be provided with a mounting pin adapted to fit in a socket on the rail bearing surface.

The rail lifting head may be provided with a tilt stop. The tilt stop may comprise one or more stop members fixed to the post member below the lifting point. Each stop member may be adapted to engage with a corresponding abutment portion of the lifting means of the rail moving apparatus to prevent the rail lifting head tilting beyond a predetermined angle. Preferably the tilt stop comprises two stop members arranged on opposite sides of the post member.

Switch lifting head According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a rail lifting head comprising:

a transverse beam having a lifting point at its upper side adapted to be lifted by a lifting means of a rail moving apparatus;

first and second vertical shaft members mounted on the transverse beam for rotation about a vertical pivot axis, and extending downwards from the transverse beam;

first and second rail support members cantilevered from the lower ends of the first and second vertical shaft members respectively;

wherein the first and second rail support members can rotate about their respective pivot axes between a closed position in which the rail support members, the vertical shaft members and the transverse beam form a substantially closed frame and an open position in which the rail support members extend substantially perpendicular to the transverse beam. The rail lifting head may include two side walls extending downwards from the transverse beam. Each side wall may at least partially enclose one of the first and second vertical shaft members. Each side wall may be arranged inside the corresponding vertical shaft member, i.e. towards the centre of the rail lifting head from the vertical shaft members, to prevent contact between a rail carried on the associated rail support member and the vertical shaft member.

The rail lifting head may further comprise first and second head levers extending above the transverse beam and rotationally fixed to the first and second vertical shaft members respectively for controlling rotation of the first and second vertical shaft members.

Each head lever may have a locking member hingedly attached thereto and selectively engageable with a fixing slot arranged on the transverse beam to lock the corresponding vertical shaft member against rotation.

The transverse beam may have a rectangular hollow section.

Each rail support member may have a rectangular hollow section.

Apparatus and lifting head

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a railway rail handling apparatus configured for track side operation comprising first and second ground engaging means arranged on opposite sides of the apparatus, a support frame spanning between the first and second ground engaging means and a rail lifting head arranged on the support frame between the first and second ground engaging means, wherein the rail lifting head is a rail lifting head according to the first or second aspect.

Preferably the apparatus includes a lifting means adapted to raise or lower the rail lifting head. The lifting means may be electric, hydraulic or pneumatic, for example an electric motor or hydraulic cylinder. The load of the rails carried by the rail lifting head is thus carried between the ground engaging means so that there is no overturning load on the a railway rail handling apparatus as a result of the weight of the rails. Preferably the spacing between the first and second ground engaging means (28) is between 0.7 and 1.5 m, preferably about 1.0 m, so that in operation the apparatus can be used on single track railways, with one ground engaging means between the rails of the single track railway and the other ground engaging means is to one side of the rails of the single track railway, on the ballast or area close to the track.

Method of use of multi rail lifting head

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of carrying one or more rails using a railway rail handling apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention having a rail lifting head according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method including the steps of:

adjusting the level of the rail lifting head so that the rail bearing surface is below the level of the underside of the rail or rails to be lifted;

manoeuvring the railway rail handling apparatus so that the rail bearing surface is directly beneath the rail or rails to be lifted;

raising the rail lifting head to lift the rail or rails so that the rail or rails are supported on the rail bearing surface; and

driving the railway rail handling apparatus to carry and move the one or more rails.

The method may include the step of installing one or more rail retention members on the rail bearing surface.

The method may include using two railway rail handling apparatuses according to the third aspect of the present invention, each having a rail lifting head according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method including the steps of:

adjusting the level of the rail lifting head of the first apparatus so that the rail bearing surface is below the level of the underside of the rail or rails to be lifted at a first end of the rail or rails to be lifted; manoeuvring the first railway rail handling apparatus so that the rail bearing surface is directly beneath the rail or rails to be lifted at the first end;

adjusting the level of the rail lifting head of the second apparatus so that the rail bearing surface is below the level of the underside of the rail or rails to be lifted at a second end of the rail or rails to be lifted;

manoeuvring the second railway rail handling apparatus so that the rail bearing surface is directly beneath the rail or rails to be lifted at the second end; raising the rail lifting head of each apparatus to lift the rail or rails so that the one or more rails are supported on the rail bearing surfaces of the rail lifting heads of the two apparatuses; and

driving the two railway rail handling apparatuses to carry and move the one or more rails.

Method of use of switch lifting head

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of carrying one or more rails using a railway rail handling apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention having a rail lifting head according to the second aspect of the present invention, the method including the steps of:

manoeuvring the railway rail handling apparatus to a lifting location;

opening the rail lifting head by rotating the rail support members from the closed position to the open position;

lowering the rail lifting head over a portion of the rail or rails which is raised above the ground;

closing the rail lifting head by rotating the rail support members from the closed position to the open position beneath the portion of the rail or rails;

raising the rail lifting head to lift the rail or rails on the rail support members; and

The one or more rails may comprise a switch.

The method may include the step of locking the rail lifting head after the step of closing the rail lifting head, the locking step including engaging the locking member associated with each rail support member with a corresponding fixing slot arranged on the transverse beam to lock the corresponding vertical shaft member against rotation. The method may include using two railway rail handling apparatuses according to the third aspect of the present invention, each having a rail lifting head according to the second aspect of the present invention, the method including the steps of:

manoeuvring the first railway rail handling apparatus to a lifting location; manoeuvring the second railway rail handling apparatus to a lifting location; opening the rail lifting head of the first apparatus by rotating the rail support members from the closed position to the open position;

lowering the rail lifting head of the first apparatus over a portion of the rail or rails which is raised above the ground;

closing the rail lifting head of the first apparatus by rotating the rail support members from the closed position to the open position beneath the portion of the rail or rails;

opening the rail lifting head of the second apparatus by rotating the rail support members from the closed position to the open position;

lowering the rail lifting head of the second apparatus over a portion of the rail or rails which is raised above the ground;

closing the rail lifting head of the second apparatus by rotating the rail support members from the closed position to the open position beneath the portion of the rail or rails;

raising the rail lifting head to lift the rail or rails on the rail support members of the first apparatus;

raising the rail lifting head to lift the rail or rails on the rail support members of the second apparatus; and

driving the first and second railway rail handling apparatuses to carry and move the one or more rails.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a railway handling apparatus according to the invention carrying the end of a rail;

Fig. 2 is a front view of a railway handling apparatus according to the invention carrying two rails;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a rail lifting head a according to an embodiment of the invention carrying two rails;

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a rail lifting head a according to another embodiment of the invention for carrying up to four rails;

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a rail lifting head according to another

embodiment of the present invention for carrying a switch or several rails in a closed position; and

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the rail lifting head of Fig. 5 from the opposite side. Description of Specific Embodiments Multi rail lifting head

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 respectively provide side and front views of a railway rail handling apparatus 10 according to the invention. The apparatus 10 comprises rail moving or lifting means 12, which is located approximately half way between and depends between two spaced apart apparatus support frame members 14, 16, which extend from ground engaging wheel means 28, such as tracks. The rail lifting means 12 depends from a chassis 18, which is supported on the two spaced apart apparatus support frame members 14, 16. The chassis 18 and support frame members 14, 16 together form a support frame. However the invention is not limited to this arrangement of a support frame. Any structure which is capable of supporting a rail lifting means 12 between the ground engaging wheel means may be used.

On the chassis 18 are supported a pneumatic or hydraulic system 20, a diesel generator 22 and a user control 24, which provide pneumatic or hydraulic actuation, generation and user control of the railway rail handling apparatus in accordance with known techniques. The diesel generator provides motive power for the railway rail handling apparatus. In addition, a block and tackle arrangement 26 is mounted on the front of the chassis 18. The block and tackle arrangement can be moved to one of several positions between the spaced apart support members 14, 16. A continuous chain tread 28 (which constitutes ground engaging wheel means) is provided at the end of each of the two spaced apart apparatus support members 14, 16.

The rail lifting means 12 comprises an elongate telescopic body 40, having a first part 42 that is telescopically received in a second part 44. The upper end of the body 40 is mounted on the chassis 18 by means of a coupling 46, which provides for swivelling and/or rotation of the rail lifting means in relation to the chassis. A pin (not shown and which constitutes arresting means) is inserted by an operator into an upper part of the rail lifting means to arrest swivelling and/or rotation in relation to the chassis.

At the lower end of the rail lifting means 12 there is a coupling means 54 adapted to engage with a lifting point 102 provided on a rail lifting head 100. The coupling means 54 may be any suitable coupling means, for example a lockable pin or shackle which engages with an aperture of the lifting point 102 on the rail lifting head 100.

Structural parts of the railway rail handling apparatus, such as the chassis 18, the support members 14, 16, the block and tackle arrangement 26, the rail lifting means 12, the rail lifting head etc, are largely formed of a metal, such steel. The continuous chain tread 28 may be formed of rubber, plastics or similar such material.

The height of the railway rail handling apparatus 10 from the ground to the chassis 18, when the apparatus is standing on the continuous chain tread 28, may be between 0.8 and 1.2 m, preferably about 1 m. A width of the chassis 18 between the ground engaging wheel means 28 may be between 0.8 and 1.2 m, preferably about 1 m.

A length of the apparatus from the front of the continuous chain tread to its rear may be between 1.2 and 2.2 m, preferably about 1.7m, and the length of the chassis may be between 0.8 and 1.2 m, preferably about 1 m. With reference to Fig. 3 there is shown a rail lifting head 100 according to the present invention. The rail lifting head 100 comprises a post member 104 having a lifting point 102 at its upper end adapted to be lifted by the rail lifting means 12 of the rail moving apparatus 10. The lifting point 102 includes a lifting boss 103 through which a lifting pin or shackle of the coupling means 54 provided at the lower end of the rail lifting means 12 may be inserted to secure the rail lifting head 100 to the rail lifting means 12. A transverse beam 106 is rigidly secured to the lower end of the post member 104 and is stiffened by welded stiffener plates 108.

The upper surface of the transverse beam 106 forms a rail bearing surface 110, on which in use rails 80 can be supported. The rail bearing surface 110 is provided with a number of sockets 112 for receiving rail retention members 114, 116, which in the embodiment of Fig. 1 may be retention blocks 114 or retention pins 1 16.

The transverse beam 106 includes first and second transverse beam portions 106A, 106B arranged on opposite sides of the post member 104. The first and second transverse beam portions 106A, 106B are cantilevered from the post member, so that if lifting two or more rails 80, the rails can be distributed either side of the post member 4 to balance the load, if required.

The embodiment of Fig. 4 is similar. In this case the rail lifting head 100 is shown without rails 80, and with only retention pins 1 16 used to retain the rails. A slotted rack 120 provided on the post member 104 serves as a pin stowage member for storing the retention pins 116. The slots in the slotted rack 120 are dimensioned to retain the heads 122 provided on the pins 116. The pins 1 16 may be permanently attached to the rack 120 by chains 124, only part of which is illustrated, so that they cannot be mislaid. The rail lifting head 100 has a tilt stop 130 comprising two stop members 132, each arranged on one side of the post member 104 below the lifting point 102. The stop members 132 are connected by gusset plates 134. The stop members 132 restrict the swing movement of the rail lifting head 100 in both directions, thereby protecting any internal components of the rail moving apparatus 10. The stop members 132 provide a safety feature, by preventing the rail lifting head 100 from tilting excessively if it is loaded unevenly, for example if a rail is carried on one transverse beam portion 106A, 106B only.

Switch lifting head

Figs. 5 and 6 show another embodiment of a rail lifting head 200 used for lifting and transporting switches.

The rail lifting head 200 comprises a transverse beam 202 having a centrally positioned lifting point 102 at its upper side adapted to be lifted by the rail moving means 12 of the rail moving apparatus 10. The lifting point 102 includes a lifting boss 103 through which a lifting pin or shackle of the coupling means 54 provided at the lower end of the rail moving or lifting means 12 may be inserted to secure the rail lifting head 200 to the rail lifting means 12.

The rail lifting head 200 includes first and second vertical shaft members 204 mounted on the transverse beam 202 for rotation about a vertical pivot axis 206, and extending downwards from the transverse beam 202. At the lower end of each vertical shaft member 204 there is a rail support member 208 cantilevered from the lower end of respective shaft member 204. Each rail support member 208 can rotate about its respective pivot axis 206 between a closed position illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, in which the rail support members 208, the vertical shaft members 204 and the transverse beam 202 form a substantially closed, coplanar frame, and an open position in which the rail support members 208 extend substantially perpendicular to the transverse beam 202.

The rail lifting head 200 also has two side walls 210 extending downwards from the transverse beam 202. Each side wall includes a first portion 212 facing inwards towards the centre of the rail lifting head 200. The first portion 212 is arranged inside the corresponding vertical shaft member to prevent contact between a rail carried on the associated rail support member 208 and the rotatable vertical shaft member 204. The second portion 214 is arranged perpendicular to the first portion 212, and together the portions of the side wall 210 at least partially enclose the associated vertical shaft member 204. The rail lifting head 200 further comprises first and second head levers 216 extending above the transverse beam 202 and rotationally fixed to the first and second vertical shaft members 204 respectively. These head levers 216 can be used to control the rotation of the first and second vertical shaft members 204, i.e. to open and close the gate of the rail lifting head 200.

Each head lever 216 has a locking member 218 hingedly attached thereto and selectively engageable with a fixing slot 220 arranged on the transverse beam 202 to lock the corresponding vertical shaft member 204 against rotation, so that the rail lifting head 200 can be locked in the closed position when transporting a switch or rails.

Typically the transverse beam 202 and rail support members 208 are of steel and have a rectangular hollow section.

Use of multi rail lifting head

The apparatus of the invention may be used in the following manner to transport a number of rails. The method is described with reference to the use of two railway rail handling apparatuses, but if the length of rail is short, or if it is only required to move part of a rail, a single apparatus may be used.

A rail lifting head 100 as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 is fitted to each apparatus 10. In use the railway rail handling apparatuses 10 are driven to the place where the rail or rails are to be lifted. The rails 80 to be lifted may be supported off the ground, on support timbers or the like. The operator adjusts the level of the rail lifting head 100 of the first apparatus 109 so that the rail bearing surface 1 10 is below the level of the underside of the rail or rails 80 to be lifted at their first end, by operation of the rail lifting means 12. The first railway rail handling apparatus is then driven or manoeuvred so that the rail bearing surface 1 10 is directly beneath the rail or rails to be lifted, by operating the ground engaging wheel means 28. These steps are repeated with the second apparatus 10 at the opposite, second end of the rail or rails 80 to be lifted. The rail lifting head 100 of each apparatus 10 is then raised by the operator, by operation of the rail lifting means 12, to lift the rail or rails 80 so that the rails are supported on the rail bearing surfaces 110 of the rail lifting heads 100 of both apparatuses 10. At this point one or more rail retention blocks 1 14 and/or rail retention pins 116 may be inserted into the sockets 112 on the rail bearing surface 1 10, to hold the rails 80 in place. The operator then drives the railway rail handling apparatus 10 to carry and move the one or more rails 80, by operating the ground engaging wheel means 28. When the required destination is reached, the rails are lowered by reversing the process.

The operator may operate the rail lifting means 12 and the ground engaging wheel means 28 in any suitable manner, for example by means of a control panel on the apparatus 10, or by a control panel connected to the apparatus 10 by a

communication cable, or by wireless control.

Use of switch lifting head

The apparatus of the invention may be used in the following manner to transport a switch or other structure containing more than one rail. The method is described with reference to the use of two railway rail handling apparatuses, but if the length of the switch or structure is short, or if it is only required to move part of the structure, a single apparatus may be used.

A rail lifting head 200 as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 is fitted to each railway rail handling apparatus 10. Each apparatus 10 is manoeuvred to the appropriate lifting location, typically at opposite ends of a switch.

The rail lifting head 200 of the first apparatus is opened by rotating the rail support members 208 from the closed position to the open position. The rail lifting head 200 of the first apparatus is then lowered over a portion of the rail or rails 80 which is raised above the ground. The rail lifting head 200 of the first apparatus is then closed by rotating the rail support members 208 from the closed position to the open position beneath the portion of the rail or rails 80. The procedure is repeated with the second apparatus 10. Then both rail lifting heads 200 are raised to lift the rail or rails 80 on the rail support members 208 of both apparatuses 10. The apparatuses 10 may then be driven together to carry and move the rails or switch. When the required destination is reached, the rails or switch are lowered by reversing the process.

The invention provides a simple and low cost method of moving single or multiple rails in areas of limited access, or in narrow track locations.

The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described, and modifications and alternatives are possible. The shape, material and size of the various components can be modified.

Claims

1. A rail lifting head comprising:

a transverse beam secured to the lower end of the post member;

a rail bearing surface provided on the transverse beam; and

2. The rail lifting head of claim 1 , wherein the transverse beam includes first and second transverse beam portions arranged on opposite sides of the post member and cantilevered from the post member.

3. The rail lifting head of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rail bearing surface is provided with a plurality of sockets for receiving said rail retention members.

4. The rail lifting head of claim 3, wherein the rail retention members include retention pins adapted to fit in the sockets on the rail bearing surface, and wherein the rail lifting head includes a pin stowage member adapted to store said retention pins when said retention pins are not fitted in the sockets.

5. The rail lifting head of claim 3 or 4, wherein the rail retention members include retention blocks, each retention block being provided with a mounting pin adapted to fit in a socket on the rail bearing surface.

6. The rail lifting head of any preceding claim, wherein the rail lifting head is provided with a tilt stop comprising one or more stop members fixed to the post member below the lifting point.

7. A rail lifting head comprising:

a transverse beam having a lifting point at its upper side adapted to be lifted by a lifting means of a rail moving apparatus; first and second vertical shaft members mounted on the transverse beam for rotation about a vertical pivot axis, and extending downwards from the transverse beam;

wherein the first and second rail support members can rotate about their respective pivot axes between a closed position in which the rail support members, the vertical shaft members and the transverse beam form a substantially closed frame and an open position in which the rail support members extend substantially perpendicular to the transverse beam.

8. The rail lifting head of claim 7, further comprising two side walls extending downwards from the transverse beam, each side wall at least partially enclosing one of the first and second vertical shaft members.

9. The rail lifting head of claim 7 or 8, further comprising first and second head levers extending above the transverse beam and rotationally fixed to the first and second vertical shaft members respectively for controlling rotation of the first and second vertical shaft members.

10. A railway rail handling apparatus configured for track side operation comprising first and second ground engaging means arranged on opposite sides of the apparatus, a support frame spanning between the first and second ground engaging means and a rail lifting head arranged on the support frame between the first and second ground engaging means, wherein the rail lifting head is a rail lifting head according to any of claims 1 to 9.

1 1. The railway rail handling apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a lifting means adapted to raise or lower the rail lifting head.

12. The railway rail handling apparatus of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the spacing between the first and second ground engaging means is between 0.7 and 1.5 m, preferably about 1.0 m.

13. A method of carrying one or more rails using a railway rail handling apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the rail lifting head is a rail lifting head according to any of claims 1 to 6, the method including the steps of:

14. The method of claim 13, further including the step of installing one or more rail retention members on the rail bearing surface.

15. A method of carrying one or more rails using first and second railway rail handling apparatuses according to any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the rail lifting head is a rail lifting head according to any of claims 1 to 6, the method including the steps of:

adjusting the level of the rail lifting head of the first apparatus so that the rail bearing surface is below the level of the underside of the rail or rails to be lifted at a first end of the rail or rails to be lifted;

manoeuvring the first railway rail handling apparatus so that the rail bearing surface is directly beneath the rail or rails to be lifted at the first end;

16. A method of carrying one or more rails using a railway rail handling apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the rail lifting head is a rail lifting head according to any of claims 7 to 9, the method including the steps of:

manoeuvring the railway rail handling apparatus to a lifting location;

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more rails comprises a switch.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, comprising the further step of locking the rail lifting head after the step of closing the rail lifting head, the locking step including engaging the locking member associated with each rail support member with a corresponding fixing slot arranged on the transverse beam to lock the corresponding vertical shaft member against rotation.

19. A method of carrying one or more rails using first and second railway rail handling apparatuses according to any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the rail lifting head is a rail lifting head according to any of claims 7 to 9, the method including the steps of:

lowering the rail lifting head of the first apparatus over a portion of the rail or rails which is raised above the ground; closing the rail lifting head of the first apparatus by rotating the rail support members from the closed position to the open position beneath the portion of the rail or rails;