Track Renewal Train TRT 909 in Action

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

The TRT was working at the Rocklin station area recently replacing the old rails and ties with new rails and new concrete ties. Interesting piece of railroad maintenance equipment.

CZ

http://s806.photobucket.com/user/Trainsforyou/slideshow/New%20Trackwork?sort=6

2

I regularly photograph MOW equipment in action but I have yet to see such a monstrously large machine like that in action.

3

Yes, it is very large and is a one of a kind. It was built for the Union Pacific. The longest unit in the train is the one that removes the old rail and ties and then installs the new rails and concrete ties. That is an amazing thing to watch as it slowly moves forward with the two sets of rails on the outside of the ties.

If you do a search on youtube for the TRT 909, you can see the action.

CZ

4

Great set of pictures, thank you!

5

Amazing piece of machinery.[wow]

6

Thanks. I appreciate knowing you enjoyed them.

CZ

7

UP’s video for the TRT 909

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=haV6ryQCaTo

8

I never get tired of watching the videos of this amazing machine. Too bad I haven’t seen it in my area and probably won’t for a while (almost all concrete ties on area mains).

Anyone know the scope of this years visit to the Roseville sub? There are many TRT-909 videos made last year from the same area (other main track?). TIA, Mike

EDIT: comparing Google street views with above slideshow, it appears that concrete ties are being replaced on main 1 in Auburn. Hmmm.

FYI here’s a map to follow along with: http://goo.gl/maps/gWLpF

9

The first pictures in the slide show are Main # 2 which was finished this year. The rest of the slideshow is Main #1 last year. Both mains are not complete with new track and concrete ties from Colfax to Rocklin. The TRT is currently up on Donner around Norden working.

CZ

10

Baltacd

Thanks for posting the video. I had not viewed the Union Pacific video. It does a great job of showing the system in action.

CZ

11

Several questions about the use of the TRT-909

  1. Since all ties are replaced how much traffic has to pass over the track to guarantee the ties have proper adhesion to the ballast ?

  2. How much new ballast is usually added ?

  3. Since the laying of the track is over new ties does specs require location temps to be near balance temperature ? If so does that limit times of year that it can be used ?

  4. Is there a post TRT-909 surfacing machine several days ( weeks ) to verify no problems with the surfacing ?proper sur0

12

I can’t answer details as you have listed, but only what I have viewed when the new track is down.

The track crews work with the ballast equipment after the rails are laid on the new Concrete ties. This is a very intensive operation. New ballast is laid and then the crews come along with the tampers or whatever they are called before any trains run over the track. I am not an expert on the finish work, but it does take place and the time factor is larger than the actual TRT 909 work.

Near the end of my slide show, you can view a ballast train that is preparing to reballast the newly laid track. After the ballast is relaid, the crews come in to finish off the work.

CZ