[barb1191]

Wow, train buff or not, you will find this whole procedure fascinating!

For those who live in the Springfield area and have seen all the machines running up and down the tracks, here is a link to a video that shows you how the concrete ties and rail are put in place.

The road bed was raised 13 inches to accommodate the new high speed rail line between St. Louis, MO. and Chicago, IL. There are only two of these track laying machines in the world, one here and one in Europe.

Imagine what all those laborers who laid the first cross country tracks would think if they could see this!

http://www.wimp.com/traintrack/

[golfnut]

Great video, btw, where is Springfield....gn

[F16 1UB]

I wonder how long it takes them to complete 1 mile. Pretty slick operation.

[barb1191]

Originally Posted by golfnut

Great video, btw, where is Springfield....gn

I believe it's Springfield, MA. If you put a search on AMTRAK TRACK LAYING MACHINE, you will find a number of posts re this subject.

[Sherman931]

Wonder how many fingers and toes end up in the railbed?

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Wonder if it can handle doing curves?

Bill

[railroadman]

Curves are no problem, its all welded rail.

Originally Posted by Bill-n-Brillo

Wonder if it can handle doing curves?

Bill