I just saw a pair of UP engines (#2067 on the point) pulling what looked like a quarter mile long cargo of continuous rail. But, haveing never seen it before I am not sure.
Does anyone have a pointer to a photo so I can check? TIA !
Posted by RRCHINA (Member # 1514) on :
This is the way it has been done for 30+ years. The RR loads 1/4 mile strings of rail that has been factory welded on to rail cars that have rollers positioned on rectangular frames. These frames and rollers are wide enough for 8 strings and tall enough for 6 strings so that 48 can be carried on one trainload. They are pulled off from the back of the train at the location where they are to be used as replacements for worn rail by hooking on to the rails and then pull the train out from under them or they can be pulled from a stationary train with equipment on the ground.