Just as hard as it looks

[butter]

So yesterday, I started a volunteer job at a local train museum where they run a quarter scale train. Even though yesterday was my first day I was surely doing things quickly. Now I've seen MOW trains near me, and seen rail gangs on TV from the west; but I would not have expected track work to be as hard as it was. My job consisted of:

Using a pick to loosen all the gravel around rotten ties, then replace each tie with a new one, put holes in and replace the screws holding the track down manually with a hand crank.

After this experience, I have a new appreciation for the MOW workers past and present. It is truly a very difficult job.

 

[JCitron]

So yesterday, I started a volunteer job at a local train museum where they run a quarter scale train. Even though yesterday was my first day I was surely doing things quickly. Now I've seen MOW trains near me, and seen rail gangs on TV from the west; but I would not have expected track work to be as hard as it was. My job consisted of:

Using a pick to loosen all the gravel around rotten ties, then replace each tie with a new one, put holes in and replace the screws holding the track down manually with a hand crank.

After this experience, I have a new appreciation for the MOW workers past and present. It is truly a very difficult job.

And that's on a model railroad. I can't imagine the work in real scale, although the tools maybe more automated when it comes to heaving the ties around.

John

 

[Euphod]

10 Miles in one day...

Certainly gives one a greater appreciation of this feat:

http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/salt...ental_railroad/transcontinental_railroad.html

 

[mrreet]

Me thinks NWORRP should get one of these:

:hehe:

 

[pfx]

Wish we had one of those at the railway I work on! Would probably mean a smoother ride too... As for your comments butter, yes it's a hard job alright, whether scaled down or full size.

I'm always burst when I've finished a day on the railway. Usually don't get past my 5th beer before I'm ripe for bed!

 

[Klinger]

There is nothing on a railroad, big or small, that is easy to do.

I started out in 22" gauge at an Amusement park doing track. Even that was hard work, even light rail is heavy. Now working at the loop and working with Steam every day, I can tell you there is nothing easy about steam, its great to look at, its amazing to work with, but its hard work too.

And even on a narrow gauge railroad, nothing is light, everything is heavy, and usually takes several people to lift.

 

[Euphod]

There is nothing on a railroad, big or small, that is easy to do.

Nothing 10,000 China-men can't solve!:hehe:

 

[PerRock]

There is a video somewhere showing a Plasser system replacing tracks in Europe. I can't remember the numbers (or find the vid at the moment) but I want to say they did something like 40 miles in one day.

peter

 

[NevadaNorthernFan901]

Me thinks NWORRP should get one of these:

:hehe:

Thats a Lazy mans tool!:hehe: :hehe:

 

[butter]

Me thinks NWORRP should get one of these:

:hehe:

I sent you a PM. But yes that exactly what NWORRP Needs.