Points and how they work

And Golders Green.

Does anyone here know why HW1000 points are so named?
I know there were HA and then HB points, but it seems a huge jump to HW.

You also get HW2000 machines. The difference over 1000s is that 2000s are suitable for use under overheads, 1000s are not and are restricted to diesel or DC electrified lines (the principle differences being the internal clutch and 'snubbing' arrangements - mechanically speaking they are identical).

As to why HW1000, well the HW bit I believe relates to the manufacturer of the point machine, not the type. I recall hearing however that soon after it was unvailed the HW company got subsumed into somebody else (I imagine GEC which eventually became part of Alstom - whose signaing division is now known as "Signalling Solutions")

I believe clamp lock points were BRs attempt to mimic the air operated points on LU - except that because BR lacked a lineside air supply they had to be designed around hydraulic operation with a dedicated power pack. The latest incarnation improves one of the big deficiencies of the origination design (namely their tendency to bounce as its hard to adequately pack them with ballast thanks to the rams etc in the 4ft) by sticking the rams etc inside a hollow barer (metal sleeper)

The hydraulic system is good and far better then the air system currently being used with MK1 & MK2 Clamplock's used on LUL. But If they did design a electric motor this would cause problems as experienced with the M63 with reliability and are prone to failure especially the DC motor which is immune to AC. They only doing that as hydraulic's are not approved for underground in tunnels as the oil they use is flammable and if a hose splits it could come out at high pressure then you basically have a big problem. But as the air will be going I see Surelock's with the electric motors in the tunnels and Clamplock's in the outside areas using hydraulics, I know Surelock's are the flavour at the moment going in to replace M63's and most new installations where they BTR a site but when Clamplock's are proven to be reliable not just in Neasden Depot they will go in in mass. Again only my opinion I'm sure whoever is holding the cash in the upgrade project team this may and more then likely change, only time will tell.

They was installed when BR at the time had the W&C line they also have HW1000