Description
Cembre MSGW Contact Wire Straightener
The Cembre MSGW straightener is a professional mechanical tool for straightening distorted profiled contact wire used in railway overhead electrification systems.
Cembre uses five optimally positioned wheels, allowing the tool to operate in any orientation. As a result, rail maintenance crews can straighten continuous sections of contact wire without removing the wire from the overhead system.
The standard MSGW suits common contact wire sizes from 100mm² to 150mm², while the larger MSGW-E1 covers 161mm² to 193mm².
MSGW Contact Wire Straightener Features
Key features include:
- Mechanical contact wire straightening
- Five-wheel straightening arrangement
- Can operate in any orientation
- Suitable for continuous straightening
- Adjustable pressure through the handwheel
- Designed for profiled and grooved contact wire
- Suitable for overhead catenary maintenance
- Manual operation with no hydraulic power required
- Compact portable design
- Standard MSGW weighs 6.8kg
- MSGW-E1 available for larger contact wire sizes
Cembre specifically identifies common 100, 120 and 150mm² profiled contact wire among the applications for the standard MSGW.
Cembre MSGW Wire Size Range
| Model | Contact Wire Range | Maximum Wire Diameter | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSGW | 100–150mm² | Ø14.5mm | 6.8kg | 431 × 290 × 234mm |
| MSGW-E1 | 161–193mm² | Ø16.5mm | 7.3kg | 431 × 297 × 234mm |
The current Cembre operating instructions specify these application ranges for the two versions.
Five-Wheel Contact Wire Straightening
The MSGW uses a five-wheel arrangement, with three wheels on one side of the contact wire and two adjustable wheels on the opposite side.
First, the operator opens the tool using the handwheel. Next, the three-wheel section sits against a straight part of the contact wire near the damaged section.
The handwheel then brings the remaining two wheels towards the wire. However, Cembre instructs users not to overtighten the tool, because it should still move easily along the contact wire.
Once adjusted, the operator moves the tool backwards and forwards through the distorted section.
After several passes, additional pressure can be applied if required. Consequently, the wire can gradually return towards the required profile without attempting to remove the deformation in one aggressive operation.
Mechanical OLE & Catenary Maintenance Tool
The MSGW requires no battery, hydraulic pump or external power source.
Instead, the operator controls the straightening pressure mechanically through the handwheel. This makes the tool particularly suitable for overhead line maintenance where simplicity, portability and controlled adjustment are important.
Typical applications include:
- Railway overhead line equipment
- OLE maintenance
- Overhead catenary systems
- Trolley wire maintenance
- Contact wire repair
- Rail electrification maintenance
- Tram and light rail systems
- Depot maintenance
- Infrastructure maintenance
- Correcting localised contact wire deformation
The MSGW sits within Cembre’s dedicated railway Contact Wire Maintenance tooling range.
Trolley Wire & Contact Wire Straightening
Rail customers may refer to the conductor as contact wire, trolley wire, overhead contact wire or catenary contact wire, depending on the network and application.
The MSGW is specifically designed for profiled or grooved contact wire.
Its adjustable mechanical action allows technicians to work progressively along a distorted section. Therefore, the tool is particularly useful where local damage or deformation needs correction during OLE maintenance.
Why Is the MSGW Called the “Rolls-Royce”?
Within the Australian rail industry, the Cembre MSGW is also commonly nicknamed the “Rolls-Royce” contact wire straightener.
The name is an informal industry nickname only. The MSGW is manufactured by Cembre and has no connection with or endorsement from Rolls-Royce.
How to Use the Cembre MSGW
Cembre’s basic operating procedure is straightforward.
First, open the straightener using the adjustment handwheel. Then position the three-wheel section on a straight section of contact wire beside the area requiring correction.
Next, close the two-wheel side until it grips the contact wire while still allowing the tool to slide freely.
Move the straightener backwards and forwards along the damaged section using the handles. After several passes, increase the adjustment slightly if further correction is required.
Finally, once the required result has been achieved, release the handwheel and remove the tool from the contact wire.
Cembre also recommends cleaning the tool after use and periodically greasing the handwheel screw and guide components.
MSGW vs MSGW-E1
Choose the model according to the contact wire size.
Cembre MSGW
- 100–150mm² contact wire
- Maximum Ø14.5mm
- 6.8kg
- 431 × 290 × 234mm
Cembre MSGW-E1
- 161–193mm² contact wire
- Maximum Ø16.5mm
- 7.3kg
- 431 × 297 × 234mm
Therefore, the MSGW-E1 should be selected for the larger conductor range rather than treating the standard MSGW as suitable for unlimited wire sizes.
MSGW vs Hydraulic Contact Wire Straightening
Cembre also offers hydraulic equipment for correcting more localised contact-wire deformation.
The MSGW provides continuous mechanical straightening, allowing the operator to move progressively along a section of contact wire.
In comparison, the Cembre ECW-H3D hydraulic presshead can use dedicated MSGW-3D straightening die sets to apply high compression force to localised wire deformation.
Engineering Supplies stocks the Cembre ECW-H3D Hydraulic Presshead together with Cembre hydraulic pumps and associated railway tooling.
The two systems therefore suit different maintenance methods rather than being direct substitutes.
Cembre MSGW Technical Specifications
Brand: Cembre
Part Number: MSGW
Tool Type: Mechanical Contact Wire Straightener
Application: Profiled / Grooved Contact Wire
Contact Wire Range: 100–150mm²
Maximum Wire Diameter: 14.5mm
Straightening System: Five-wheel mechanical
Operation: Manual
Operating Weight: 6.8kg
Dimensions: 431 × 290 × 234mm
Cembre’s current product record confirms the standard MSGW at 6.8kg and 431 × 290 × 234mm.
Cembre Railway & OLE Tools
Engineering Supplies stocks specialist Cembre equipment for railway maintenance and overhead electrification applications.
The range includes:
- Contact wire maintenance tools
- Rail drilling machines
- Rail connection systems
- Hydraulic crimping equipment
- Battery hydraulic pumps
- Rail cutting and drilling accessories
- Specialist OLE tools
Browse our Cembre Tools & Accessories range for additional Cembre railway equipment.
Cembre MSGW Manufacturer Information
For current technical specifications and operating instructions, visit the Cembre MSGW Contact Wire Straightener.
Cembre describes the MSGW as a mechanical straightening device that allows easy and continuous straightening of common profiled contact wire sizes including 100, 120 and 150mm².
Buy Cembre MSGW in Australia
Engineering Supplies supplies the Cembre MSGW contact wire straightener for railway OLE, catenary and contact wire maintenance throughout Australia.
We stock and support specialist Cembre railway tooling from our Perth warehouse and can also assist with the larger MSGW-E1, hydraulic contact-wire equipment and related Cembre rail maintenance tools.
For pricing, availability or technical assistance, contact Engineering Supplies on (08) 9258 8444 or email sales@engsup.com.au.
