Saw some BNSF track-laying equipment at the border Tuesday

[Cascadia]

Hey TrackWalker, just wanted to say thanks again for your contributions to this thread, I would have always wondered what that elaborate assembly was for and how it was used, but you made it crystal clear for everyone, Thanks!

Glad you signed up too and hope you post a lot more. This thread was a good example of the amazing communication ability we have at our fingertips with the internet!

 

[TrackWalker]

Here's a couple of pictures I took today of the winch car and the rollers to get the rail up to the rail cars.

Winch Car1

Winch Car2

Old Rail

 

[George Harris]

What you saw at Blaine, WA. was the rail pick up train (work train) with the old 1955 115# bolted rail on it from the rail relay in Whiterock, BC, Canada.
BNSF Steel Gang relayed several miles of new 115# ribbon rail starting at the USA/Canada border.

The machinery is parked on the US side because it is the closest place to park the train.

Laying NEW 115 lb rail? Thought that in general most new rail except transit and short lines (if short lines were to actually buy any new rail) was being bought in the 141 lb/yd section.

Everybody else: This gives you a hint concerning the longevity of rail. This 50 year old rail is not going to scrap, but to be welded up and put back in track somewhere else.