Initial Pilot Installations and Further Development of the Hinged Turnout.
The hinged turnout was installed for the first time in 2011 and subsequently tested at more than 40 locations. A further-developed cast version offering greater stability and cost-effectiveness received EBA approval in 2019 and was installed at Munich Central Station for the first time in 2025.
The hinged turnout bearer was first installed in Oberhausen on 23 and 24 July 2011. Following successful prototype testing, further installations were carried out in Westerland and at numerous other Deutsche Bahn locations, with a total of 42 units installed by 2017.
The project was subsequently put on hold while an enhanced cast version was developed. Requiring less welding, this version is more cost-effective while offering greater material stability. It received EBA approval in 2019 and was installed at Munich Central Station for the first time in 2025.
PROJECT DETAILS
Initial installation: 23 and 24 July 2011 in Oberhausen
Further installations: 42 units at Deutsche Bahn locations by 2017
First installation of the enhanced cast version: 2025 at Munich Central Station
