Wire joining and tensioning specialist Gripple and Unipart Rail will be launching the Gripple Rail Dropper, which they say enables catenary droppers to be installed up to eight times faster than conventional methods.

The Gripple catenary hanger design enables the quick and easy installation of each dropper, which can then be adjusted left and right along the messenger wire in seconds using the lockable release cams. This increases the speed and efficiency of both installation and repair, and reduces time spent working at height.

Gripple is new to the rail market. The companies are also working on a wider range of innovations to increase efficiency and save time, labour and costs when installing overhead electrification.

‘Driving and delivering innovation is at the forefront of both of our businesses and we are excited to be working together on this new innovation, which will change the face of OLE installation’, said Jake Rudham, Marketing & New Products Director at Unipart Rail.

The Gripple Rail Dropper will be on show on Unipart’s outdoor stand at InnoTrans.