When things don’t go according to plan.
The second splice detector at the Wankbahn was actually supposed to be a project free of major surprises. After all, the ROTEC team had already successfully installed and commissioned an identical system at the Wankbahn the previous year.
Back then, everything went according to plan. That is why we approached the installation of the second system with confidence. We were familiar with the plant and the technology, and our experience from the first project had been consistently positive.
However, shortly before the scheduled start of the season, it became apparent that the commissioning process would require a bit more attention this time.
Shortly before the start of the season
During test operations, isolated alerts occurred that required closer investigation. Initially, the cause could not be clearly pinpointed and was not immediately apparent from either the initial measurements or the preliminary analyses.
At the same time, the first major summer weekend was approaching. It was clear to the operator: the railway had to start the season on schedule.
It was therefore clear to the ROTEC team as well that the situation had to be analyzed directly on site.
More than just an on-site appointment
So, measuring instruments, spare parts, and other equipment were loaded into the car, and Sebastian and Benni set off for Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
The initial investigations provided important information. However, it quickly became apparent that the cause could not be resolved with a single appointment.
That is why a single visit was not enough. Sebastian returned to the Wankbahn, conducted further measurements, and—together with those involved on site—analyzed the interaction between the various components.
Step by step, the findings became clearer. With each measurement, it became more apparent where action was needed.
Support from Timeswipe
A key component of the analysis was ROTEC’s proprietary measurement system, Timeswipe—originally developed by Hamburg-based Panda and subsequently acquired in full by ROTEC. The additional measurement data helped the ROTEC team narrow down the cause of the anomalies step by step and seek targeted solutions.
Based on these findings, the experts added further electronic components and optimized the shielding of specific areas. Subsequent tests demonstrated that the measures achieved the desired effect.
What matters in the end
Am Ende konnte die Wankbahn wie geplant in die Sommersaison starten.
For the passengers, all the effort took place behind the scenes. For the ROTEC team, however, the project served as a reminder that—even with familiar installations and proven systems—not everything is always predictable from the outset.
In situations like these, the crucial thing is not knowing every answer immediately. What matters is sticking with it, returning to the site, and working together with the customer to search for the root cause until a solution is found.
That was exactly what was required for the Wankbahn.
ROTEC – we make ropes safe.
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