Temporary rail points module

Abstract

A temporary rail points module for connecting a first section of railway track and a section of railway track is disclosed. The temporary rail points module comprises a base and a track section connected to the base allowing for movement between a stored position, where it rests on the base, and a deployed position, where it extends over the first section of railway track. The track section comprises a first set of rails that engage with the first section of railway track, while the base incorporates a second set of rails aligned with the second section of railway rack. When deployed, the first and second rail sets cooperate to provide a path between the first and second set of railway tracks enabling efficient railway operations without the need for permanent infrastructure.

Description

[0001] TEMPORARY RAIL POINTS MODULE

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is directed to the field of railway infrastructure and in particular railway track. More specifically, the present invention is a temporary module which acts as points or a turnout in order to allow trains and maintenance plant to move off the main track onto a branch or siding.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] With railway infrastructure it is sometimes necessary to build a temporary branch line or siding off a primary rail line. A temporary branch line may be needed so as to get equipment to a construction site or maintenance location away from existing railway lines, for example. When maintenance works are taking place on a railway line a temporary siding can be employed to allow maintenance plant and / or wagons to be stored off the railway line but still relatively close to the maintenance site.

[0006] Presently there are two means by which rail stock and maintenance plant can transfer from the primary line onto a temporary branch or siding. Firstly, a set of permanent points can be added to the primary line at the desired location, with the branch or siding running off the new points. However, adding permanent points has a significant construction cost for what is intended to be a temporary installation. It also requires the primary line to be closed while the new points are added. An alternative arrangement is to add temporary points, which are laid over part of the primary line and mechanically fixed in place. Whilst not as expensive as creating a permanent set of points these temporary points still take time to be fixed in place, and the fixing also means that the installation process must be reversed before the points can be removed and the primary line put back in use.

[0007] It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages with the existing solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a temporary rail points module for connecting a first section of railway track and a second section of railway track, the temporary rail points module comprising a base and a track section connected to the base such that the track section can move between a stored position lying upon the base and a deployed position lying upon the first section of railway track, wherein the track section has a first set of rails engageable with the first section of railway track and the base has a second set of rails engageable with the second section of railway track, wherein when the track section is in the deployed position the first and second sets of rails cooperate to provide a path between the first and second sections of railway track.

[0009] The temporary rail points module provides a temporary connection between two sections of railway track without the need for permanent infrastructure. This allows for flexibility in railway operations, particularly during construction or maintenance projects where temporary railway tracks or sidings are required. The module facilitates easy deployment and removal, reducing installation time and costs associated with traditional rail point installations. Additionally, the module's design ensures compatibility and smooth transition between the primary and temporary railway tracks, maintaining operational efficiency.

[0010] Preferably, the track section is hinged to the base such that the track section rotates about a hinge axis between the stored and deployed positions.

[0011] Preferably, the temporary rail points module further comprises a deployment mechanism. Preferably the deployment mechanism comprises an automatic actuation mechanism which moves the track section between the stored and deployed positions. The automatic actuation mechanism may comprise one or more hydraulic rams and a hydraulic control circuit. Alternatively, the deployment mechanism comprises a manually operated actuation mechanism. The manually operated actuation mechanism may comprise a post and a winch attached to the post. The post may be removable from and securely fixed to the base, while the winch comprises a cable extending to the track section to facilitate movement of the track section between the stored position and the deployed position.,

[0012] Preferably, the track section comprises a pair of substantially parallel members and a plurality of brace members extending transversely between the parallel members, wherein the first set of rails are mounted on one side of the parallel members. A second side of the parallel members may be adapted to engage the first section of railway track when the track section is in the deployed position. Alternatively, one or more of the brace members may be provided with a foot which will engage a supporting surface when the track section is in the deployed position.

[0013] Preferably, the base has an underside comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises a pair of channels adapted to accommodate a pair of rails from the second section of track.

[0014] Preferably the base further comprises one or more levelling jacks for adjusting the position of the temporary rail points module.

[0015] Preferably the temporary rail points module further comprises a transport module. Most preferably the transport module comprises a set of wheels configured to engage with the base. The transport module may comprise a pair of male members configured to engage with the pair of grooves or channels of the base. Preferably the transport module further comprises a mechanical coupling configured to attach an end of the base to a vehicle.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a temporary railway track kit, the kit comprising one or more sections of railway track and a temporary rail points module according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0017] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may comprise features to implement the preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention or vice versa.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a temporary rail branch or siding, the method comprising: laying one or more sections of railway track to form the temporary branch or siding adjacent a primary section of railway track; installing a temporary rail points module according to the first aspect of the invention adjacent the primary section of railway track such that the second set of rails of the base engage a first end of the temporary branch or siding; and selectively moving the track section of the module between its stored position and its deployed position such that when the track section is in its deployed position the first and second sets of rails of the temporary rail points module cooperate to provide a path between the primary and temporary sections of railway track.

[0019] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figures 1 to 6 present a temporary rail point module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Figures 1 to 6 are perspective drawings showing sequentially the installation and deployment of a temporary rail points module.

[0021] Figure 7 presents a temporary rail point module in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 8 presents a temporary rail point module in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 9 presents a temporary rail point module in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

[0024] Figure 10 presents a temporary rail point module in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of embodiments of the invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0026] An explanation of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

[0027] Figures 1 to 6 present a temporary rail points module, as generally depicted by reference numeral 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring first to Figure 1 , there are shown a pair of permanent, primary railway tracks 2, 4. The first 2 and second 4 primary railway tracks are arranged in parallel in a conventional manner, each having a pair of parallel rails lying upon a plurality of sleepers, which themselves lie on ballast. Adjacent to the first primary railway track 2 is a proximal portion or first end of a temporary branch or siding 6, which has been laid so as to allow trains and / or maintenance plant to travel from the first primary railway track 2 onto the temporary branch or siding 6. As explained in the introduction above, such temporary branches or sidings 6 are only intended to be used for a finite period of time such as, for example, whilst a construction or maintenance project is being undertaken. The temporary railway track 6 making up the branch or siding is going to be removed from the location once it is no longer needed, so it is not desirable to install a permanent set of points at this location if only needed for a relatively short period of time.

[0029] A solution as to how to selectively allow trains and / or plant to travel from the primary railway track 2 onto the temporary railway track 6 is shown in Figures 1 to 6. The temporary rail points module 10 comprises a substantially rectangular base 12 and an upper track portion 14. The base 12 and track portion 14 are pivotably connected to one another along their respective track sides, that is the sides which will be closest to the primary railway track 2 when the temporary rail points module 10 is installed on site.

[0030] The temporary rail points module 10 may include an actuation apparatus (as discussed below with reference to Figures 7 and 8) which automatically moves the track portion 14 between its stored position lying upon the base 12 (as shown in Figure 1) and a deployed position lying upon the primary track 2 (as shown in Figure 6). The actuation apparatus may be one or more hydraulic rams and a hydraulic control circuit therefor. Alternatively, the deployment apparatus may be a mechanical arrangement having one or more biasing elements which bias the track portion 14 towards the deployed position, for example. The temporary rail points module 10 may also do without an actuation apparatus, whereby the track portion 14 is manually moved between the stored and deployed positions. In such a case it is preferable that a work machine or the like is used to move the track portion 14.

[0031] As seen best in Figures 5 and 6 the base 12 has an underside or first side 16 which when in use lies upon the ground adjacent the first primary railway track 2, and a top side or second side 18 upon which the track portion 14 lies when in the stored position. The base 12 may be formed from a single element, or may be formed from a number of separate elements which are fixed or welded to one another. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the base 12 is formed from a ladder frame, with a pair of parallel body members connected to one another by a number of transverse brace members.

[0032] The base 12 has a first (proximal) end 20 and a second (distal) end 22, where the first end 20 is that which will lie closest to the temporary railway track 6 when the temporary rail points module 10 is in position. At the first end of the base 20 both the underside 16 and top side 18 of the base 12 are adapted to provide a smooth transition from the first primary railway track 2 to the temporary railway track 6. To do so the underside 16 at the first end 20 of the base 12 is provided with a pair of grooves or channels 24 which are designed to accommodate a portion of the pair of rails making up a first end of the temporary track 6. As such, the grooves or channels 24 are the same gauge as the first primary 2 and temporary 6 railway track. During installation the temporary railway track 6 is laid at the same angle to the first primary railway track 2 as the grooves 24 are relative to the remainder of the base 12, so that when the temporary rail points module 10 is installed the rails at the first end of the temporary railway track 6 will fit within the grooves 24 on the underside 16 of the base 12. This allows the base 12 to lie substantially flat on the surrounding ground despite now being laid upon the first end of the temporary railway track 6.

[0033] The top side 18 of the base 12 is provided with a pair of raised rails 26, which may correspond with the grooves / channels 24 on the underside 16 of the base 12. Again, these raised rails 26 are the same gauge as those of the first primary and the temporary railway tracks 2, 6 and are shaped so as to continue the temporary railway track 6 towards the primary railway track 2. As such, the raised rails 26 are at least partially curved to provide a smooth transition between the first primary and the temporary railway tracks 2, 6.

[0034] The track portion 14 of the temporary rail points module 10 has a track side and a support side. The track side faces downwards upon the base 12 when stored and is only exposed when the track portion 14 is deployed. The track side has the rails which will carry the trains and / or plant between the first primary and the temporary railway tracks 2, 6. The support side is the uppermost side of the track portion 14 when it is stored but will be pivoted about 180 degrees when deployed to support the track portion 14 of the temporary rail points module 10 in the deployed position.

[0035] The track portion 14 has an elongate hinge, or pivot, member 30 which forms the track side of the track portion and thus runs along one side of the track portion 14. The hinge member 30 is pivotably connected to the corresponding track side of the base 12, thereby allowing the track portion 14 to rotate through 180 degrees about the hinge member 30 between its stored and deployed positions. The track portion 14 also has a pair of elongate outriggers or supports 32 which run parallel to one another and are connected by a plurality of crossbraces 34. One of the outriggers 32 is fixed to the hinge member 30. The outriggers 32 are the uppermost parts of the track portion 14 when it is in the stored position and the lowest part of the track portion 14 when it is in the deployed position. Indeed, the outriggers 32 may have the same gauge as the main or first primary railway track 2 so that when in the fully deployed position the outriggers lie upon the respective rails of the first primary railway (main) track 2, as shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, some or all of the crossbraces 34 may be provided with a foot (not shown) which when in the deployed position will contact one of the underlying sleepers, ballast or some other form of support surface. As such, in this alternative the outriggers 32 would not contact the rails of the main or first primary railway track 2 but would instead remain slightly above the main or first primary railway track 2 when in the fully deployed position.

[0036] The track side of the track portion 14 is best seen in Figure 6. As with the base 12, the track portion 14 has a first (proximal) end 40 and a second (distal) end 42. As can be seen in Figure 6 the track side has a pair of rails 50, which are supported by the outriggers 32 and crossbraces 34. At the second end 42 of the track side the rails 50 are parallel to the outriggers 32 and also initially slope upwards from the second end 42 of the track portion 14 to provide a smooth transition from the first primary railway track 2 onto the track portion 14 of the temporary rail points module 10. As one moves along the track side from the second end of the track portion 42 towards the first end of the track portion 40 the rails 50 begin to curve outwardly away from their respective outrigger 32. The curvature and course of the rails 50 is established at an initial design stage so that the rails 50 on the first end of the track portion 40 will meet the raised rails 26 of the base 12 when the track portion 14 is fully deployed, as in Figure 6.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6 when the track portion 14 of the temporary rail points module 10 is fully deployed the rails 26, 50 of the base 12 and track portion 14 provide an effectively continuous track between the first primary and the temporary railway track 2, 6.

[0038] The manner in which the temporary rail points module 10 is installed and deployed will now be described, with reference to the sequence illustrated across Figures 1 to 6.

[0039] Initially, the temporary rail points module 10 is delivered to the required location along with the components making up the temporary railway track 6 or siding. This can be done via rail or road transport. The temporary rail points module 10 can then be taken from its transport to the required location.

[0040] As described above, the component(s) of the temporary railway track 6 will be laid out first, with the position and location measured so that the rails of the temporary railway track 6 will fit correctly in the grooves 24 on the underside or first side 16 of the base 12 when the temporary rail points module 10 is brought into position. As shown in Figure 1 , when the temporary rail points module 10 is located it will lie adjacent and parallel to the first primary railway track 2 with the track sides of the base and the track section 12, 14 immediately adjacent the first primary railway track 2. The first end of the base 12 will be adjacent the temporary railway track 6. Before the temporary rail points module 10 is finally placed on the ground the temporary railway track 6 may be manipulated or re-positioned so that its rails go inside the grooves 24 on the underside or first side 16 of the base 12. Once finally in position on the ground the first end 20 of the base 12 will lie over the first end of the temporary railway track 6 whilst the remainder of the underside 16 of the base 12 will lie on the ground adjacent the track. The weight of the base 12 is such that no fixing is needed to attach the base 12 to the tracks or the ground. As an option one or more ground-engaging elements, such as protruding pegs or teeth for example, may be provided on the underside of the base 12 to further secure the base 12 in position on the ground.

[0041] Once the temporary rail points module 10 is in position it can remain in the stored configuration shown in Figure 1 until it is needed, which means that it remains out of the way and the first and second primary railway tracks 2, 4 can be used by trains as normal.

[0042] When it is necessary allow movement of rail stock or plant between the first primary and temporary railway tracks 2, 6 the track section 14 of the temporary rail points module 10 is deployed. The various stages of this deployment can be seen across Figures 2 to 6. During this deployment the track section 14 is rotated about the hinge member 30 between the base 12 and track section 14. As described above, this deployment may be undertaken manually but it is preferred that an actuation mechanism or apparatus is provided for this purpose. In one preferred embodiment one or more hydraulic rams and an associated hydraulic circuit are provided on the temporary rail points module 10 to effect the transition of the track section 14 between stored and deployed positions.

[0043] As the track section 14 is rotated about the hinge point the outriggers 32 go from being the uppermost components of the track section 14 to being the lowest components. As they reach their deployed position the outriggers 32 are either resting upon, or are immediately above, the first primary railway track 2. The latter of course being the case where some, or all, of the crossbraces 34 have feet which engage the sleepers or ballast of the first primary railway track 2. As described above, when the track section 14 is fully deployed as seen in Figure 6 the rails 50 of the track section 14 and rails 26 of the base 12 provide a near- continuous path for rail stock or plant between the first primary and the temporary railway tracks 2, 6. The initial upward gradient or slope of the second end 42 of the rails 50 means that the stock or plant can transition between the temporary rail points module 10 and the first primary railway track 2 in a smooth manner.

[0044] Once the temporary rail points module 10 has performed its function the track section 14 can be moved back to the stored position in a reverse sequence from Figure 6 to Figure 1 . The first primary railway track 2 can then be utilised as normal without any impediment to the trains passing the location on the first and second primary railway tracks 2, 4.

[0045] The present invention allows selective movement of trains, rolling stock and plant between primary and temporary tracks without the expense and inconvenience of installing permanent rail points or a switch. It also provides this temporary arrangement without the need to physically fix the module to the tracks, surrounding ground or any other components, thus limiting the time and expense needed to install and remove such a temporary arrangement.

[0046] Although the deployment of the track section 14 is described above as a simple rotation about a hinge member 30 provided between the base 12 and track section 14 alternative movements or mechanisms may also be employed. For example, an actuation or deployment mechanism could be employed whereby the track section is first slid laterally towards the primary railway track before being rotated and / or lowered into position over the primary railway track.

[0047] These and other modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0048] Figure 7 shows an alternative temporary rail points module 52 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The temporary rail points module 52 includes an automatic actuation apparatus, comprising a first actuator 54a and a second actuator 54b. The actuators 54a and 54b function to automatically move the track portion 14 between its stored position lying upon the base 12 (as shown in Figure 1 ) and a deployed position lying upon the first primary railway track 2 (as shown in Figure 6). The first 54a and second 54b actuators of Figure 7 may be provided by any appropriate actuation apparatus, for example hydraulic rams with a hydraulic control circuit for control of the hydraulic rams.

[0049] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the temporary rail points module 52 can alternatively be configured with an actuation apparatus comprising a single actuator or more than two actuators as required.

[0050] Figure 8 shows a temporary rail points module 56 with an alternative deployment mechanism. The temporary rail points module 56 incorporates a manually operated actuation mechanism which facilitates the movement of the track portion 14 between its stored position resting upon the base 12 and a deployed position aligned upon the first primary railway track 2.

[0051] In this alternative deployment mechanism, a post 58 is located on the base 12 of the temporary rail points module 56 or any another appropriate location. A winch 60 is attached to the post 58, and a cable 62 extends from the post 58 to the opposite side of the temporary rail points module 56 and then back to the post 58, forming a triangular arrangement. This configuration is used to initiate deployment of the temporary rail points module 56.

[0052] The deployment process operates as follows. The winch 60 is used to pull the cable 62, initiating the movement of the track portion 14 from its stored position. As the track portion 14 begins to rotate, it moves toward its deployed position. When the track portion 14 has turned by approximately 90 degrees (i.e. around halfway to deployment), a rope or sling is wrapped or lopped around the track portion 14 to secure it in place manually. This is because the post 58, which initially aided in the deployment, may now obstruct further movement of the track portion 14.

[0053] Once the track portion 14 is securely held in place by a rope or sling, the post 58 can be safely removed. The rope or sling is then used to carefully lower the track portion 14 the rest of the way until it is fully deployed and aligned with the first primary railway track 2. Note however that an alternative manual option for deployment may be used instead of the deployment mechanisms discussed with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Such a deployment mechanism could for example employ solely a rope or sling for moving the track portion 14. The sling is ideally made of high-strength material, can be looped around the track portion 14 so that the track portion 14 may be manually lifted and guided into position by operators. This method eliminates the need for actuators or a winch and post, relying instead on manual labour. Advantages of the manual approach include that it is both is cost-effective and straightforward. This manual method may utilise a vehicle equipped with a winch or a tow hook that aids in pulling the rope or sling to aid in lifting the track portion 14.

[0054] Figure 9 shows an alternative temporary rail points module 64 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The base 12 of the temporary rail points module of Figure 9 further comprises eight levelling jacks 66 designed for levelling the base 12.

[0055] The primary function of the levelling jacks 66 is to maintain a level and stable base 12 for the temporary rail points module 64. By integrating levelling jacks 66 into the design of the temporary rail points module 64, it significantly reduces the risk of instability and shifting during operation, improving the reliability of the temporary rail points module 64. It also enhances safety and contributes to the smooth function of the temporary rail points module 64 when in operation.

[0056] The levelling jacks 66 also facilitate precise alignment of the temporary rail points module 64 with the track portion 6, making it easier to integrate the temporary rail points module 64 into existing rail networks.

[0057] As will be appreciated by the skilled reader, the number of levelling jacks 66 may vary based on specific needs, where fewer than or more than eight jacks may instead be positioned at different points along the base 12, as required.

[0058] Figure 10 illustrates a temporary rail points module 68 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The temporary rail points module 68 shown in Figure 10 comprises a transport module. The transport module comprises a set of wheels 70 specifically designed to engage with the base 12 of the temporary rail points module 68. To securely attach the set of wheels 70 to the base 12, the transport module may comprise a pair of male members configured to fit into the grooves or channels 24 of the base 12. The set of wheels 70 enable easier movement of the temporary rail points module 68, facilitating manoeuvring and positioning of the temporary rail points module 68. Therefore, the transport module reduces the time required for installation and removal, enhancing operational efficiency.

[0059] The transport module of Figure 10 further comprises a mechanical coupling 72. The mechanical coupling allows the base 12 to attach to a vehicle. Therefore, the mechanical coupling 72 facilitates the transportation of the temporary rail points module 68, particularly over longer distances when necessary.

[0060] Note that the transport module can be equipped with more than one set of wheels. Each of the one or more sets of wheels can be placed at any suitable location along the underside 16 of the base 12. For instance, in Figure 10, the set of wheels are located at the first end 20 of the base 12 but could alternatively be positioned at the second end 22 of the base 12 if required. Similarly, the mechanical coupling 72 is provided on the second end 22 of the base, but it could alternatively be located on the first end 20 of the base, if required.

[0061] A temporary rail points module for connecting a first section of railway track and a section of railway track is disclosed. The temporary rail points module comprises a base and a track section connected to the base allowing for movement between a stored position, where it rests on the base, and a deployed position, where it extends over the first section of railway track. The track section comprises a first set of rails that engage with the first section of railway track, while the base incorporates a second set of rails aligned with the second section of railway rack. When deployed, the first and second rail sets cooperate to provide a path between the first and second set of railway tracks enabling efficient railway operations without the need for permanent infrastructure. Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the term “comprise” or “include”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, “includes” or “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0062] Furthermore, reference to any prior art in the description should not be taken as an indication that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0063] The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1. A temporary rail points module for connecting a first section of railway track and a second section of railway track, the temporary rail points module comprising a base and a track section connected to the base such that the track section can move between a stored position lying upon the base and a deployed position lying upon the first section of railway track, wherein the track section has a first set of rails engageable with the first section of railway track and the base has a second set of rails engageable with the second section of railway track, wherein when the track section is in the deployed position the first and second sets of rails cooperate to provide a path between the first and second sections of railway track.

2. The temporary rails points module as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the track section is hinged to the base for rotation about a hinge axis between the stored and deployed positions.

3. The temporary rail points module as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a deployment mechanism for moving the track section between the stored and deployed positions.

4. The temporary rail points module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the deployment mechanism comprises an automatic actuation mechanism.

5. The temporary rail points module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the automatic actuation mechanism comprises one or more hydraulic rams and a hydraulic control circuit.

6. The temporary rail points module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a manually operated actuation mechanism.

7. The temporary rails points module as claimed in claim 6, wherein the manually operated actuation mechanism comprises a post and a winch attached to the post.

8. The temporary rails points module as claimed in claim 7, wherein the post is removable from and fixed to the base of the temporary rail points module and the winch comprises a cable extending to the track section to facilitate movement between the stored position and the deployed position.

9. The temporary rail points module as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the track section comprises a pair of parallel members and a plurality of brace members extending transversely between the parallel members, wherein the first set of rails are mounted on one side of the parallel members.

10. The temporary rail points module as claimed in claim 9, wherein a second side of the parallel members are adapted to engage the first section of railway track when the track section is in the deployed position.11 . The temporary rail points module as claimed in claim 9, wherein one or more of the brace members are provided with a foot to engage a supporting surface when the track section is in the deployed position.

12. The temporary rail points module as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base has an underside comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises a pair of channels adapted to accommodate a pair of rails from the second section of railway track.

13. The temporary rail points module as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base further comprises one or more levelling jacks for adjusting the position of the temporary rail points module.

14. The temporary rail points module as claimed in any of the preceding claims further comprising a transport module.

15. The temporary rail points module as claimed in claim 14, wherein the transport module comprises a set of wheels configured to engage with the base.

16. The temporary rail points module as claimed in claim 15, wherein the transport module comprises a pair of male members configured to engage with the pair of channels of the base.

17. The temporary rail points module as claimed in claims 14 to 16, wherein the transport module comprises a mechanical coupling configured to attach an end of the base to a vehicle.

18. A temporary railway track kit comprising : one or more sections of railway track; and a temporary rail points module as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

19. A method of installing a temporary rail branch or siding, the method comprising: laying one or more sections of railway track to form the temporary rail branch or siding adjacent a primary section of railway track; installing a temporary rail points module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 adjacent the primary section of railway track such that the second set of rails of the base engage a first end of the temporary branch or siding; and selectively moving the track section between its stored position and its deployed position such that when the track section is in its deployed position the first and second sets of rails of the temporary rail points module cooperate to provide a path between the primary and temporary sections of railway track.

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