Norfolk Southern T&S Gangs?

What is a "T & S" Gang? 

 

I've always heard on "MOW", which is is Maintenance of Way, unless you are stuck with a Form B, then they become Maintenance IN the Way.

T&S= Tie and Surfacing gang. They'll usually have a gang number like "TS-31". Pretty impressive to watch the process, from pulling spikes to finished, resurfaced railroad.

Some of the Conrail guys used to call the surfacing gang a "raising gang" as they actually raise the track when the ballast is tamped under and around the ties.

T&S = Timber and Spike.  Yeah its neat to see them raise the track for several steps.  Pulling the ties out...inserting tie plates, and tamping etc.

Tie and Surface.

The big four RR have a number of gangs working there systems.  There are also curve patch gangs.  They also replace worn rail in curves..

Well now, which is it "Tie and Surface" or "Timber and Spike"?

 

Just my opinion, but the "Tie and Surface" sounds more logical.

I've heard of "T & A".  Not gang related though.  LOL

 

Hey Mike Lavender did you get my reply from the other post?  About NS Shire Oaks?

 

Rick

Rick, I forgot I posted that! Thanks for reminding me. I wanted to ask you a few questions if you don't mind, we can do so via email. Mine is mlavender80@gmail.com.

Hot Water- I was told by an NS MOW worker that it's Tie & Surfacing, essentially two "combined" gangs.

 

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What is a "T & S" Gang?

 

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It once was Telegraph and Signal, but now may be Ties and Surfacing.

 

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T&S= Tie and Surfacing gang.

 

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T&S = Timber and Spike.

 

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Well now, which is it "Tie and Surface" or "Timber and Spike"?

Sometimes I just have to sit back and chuckle.  
Bring on the T&A's
Hey! Where's the popcorn?

 

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T&S = Timber and Spike.

In the process of replacing Ties, the ballast gets disturbed. When the ballast gets disturbed it needs to be Surfaced.

Hence, Tie & Surfacing Gang.

 

Ed mentioned a different group as Telegraph & Signals. They may have been known as that at one time. Now, they are the C & S, Communications & Signals.

 

Then there are the Rail Gangs. And, we haven't even made it inside the shops yet. Didn't know the railroad was "gangland", did you?

 Jim don't forget the gang we're in, T & E 

...and if you would like to read a first person account of working on a track gang you might be interested in Tracks of the Iron Horse by Ray Grensten.  He worked for the CM&StP from 1924-68.  As far as I know his is the only first person account of this aspect of railroad work.