Citation

Railw. Gaz. 1955; 103.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1955, DVV Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Due to heavy rains, extreme temperatures, excessive curves and grades, very heavy traffic and narrow gauge, track maintenance problems are intensive in Japan. Despite the use of greater depths and larger quantities of widespread stone ballast, closer-spaced sleepers, heavier rails, improved fittings and fishplates, and stronger joints generally, and a rapid extension of rail-joint welding, maintenance continues to be difficult. A rail-replacing machine and a mechanical ballast tamper are described. Both machine methods are labor intensive yet give more uniform results and are easier on sleepers than manual methods. The machines are designed to save time, since maintenance time is usually available in periods of less than 40 minutes between train traffic.