Swappin' out a switch

That was very interesting. Thanks

Rich;

Great video, thanks for sharing. Amazing how much easier it is when you don't have to mesh those pesky mating pins on sectional track   

That was fun to watch, educational too !

Better to click on the text link below the video image for large screen view.

Reminds me of the time lapse street car time lapse video of trolley tracks. two turnouts and a diamond replaced at a dual track junction.  Very interesting.  Thank you

That was pretty interesting. I was surprised at how many people were on site, but I guess they all had specific jobs to do. I was also surprised by all the small traffic that went through before the trains started rolling again, but then I don't know much about railroad operations.

I didn't realize that real railroads used "sectional track" techniques. I would have expected the switch to be assembled on-site. Ditto for the removal of the old one.

I was especially taken how the big excavator, several times, nudged the new switch into alignment.

Dan Weinhold

Educational and entertaining, Thanks for sharing.

russ

Yep Interesting for sure....  I'm just not sure why so much equipment however the ties would also be new along with the rail. Thanks for posting.   

PLCProf posted:

I didn't realize that real railroads used "sectional track" techniques. I would have expected the switch to be assembled on-site. Ditto for the removal of the old one.

That takes up WAY TOO MUCH time, especially when there are trains waiting. By using pre-built turnouts, all the insulated joints and signal bonding straps/connections are all made in advance and fully tested. Plus, all the guard rails, points, and the frog is fully in gauge and tested in advance. Terrific time savings.

DoubleDAZ posted:

... I was also surprised by all the small traffic that went through before the trains started rolling again...

Since the line was closed for a maintenance window, perhaps they were also doing other track work along there?

Makes a lot of sense, Ace.

Still I use a Dremel.

It sure seemed to take a lot of work on the switch motor/electronics?

Actually a very simple process. All it takes is planning and good measurements. I have been in charge of over 100 switch installs/replacements. Each one is a little different and a logistics plays a big part. Not that many men doing the job, mainly signal folks and track guys. Good equipment is a must. The excavators can easily move the track around before ballast is put on it. That is a must to help the tamper out lining the switch, as is a good grade. Best time ever changing a #16 with out for us was 4 1/2 hours from last train, to tamper cleared up, and running trains with signals.

Like a ballet, the way the 3 excavators picked up the switch panel and jockeyed it into place.  Slow that down a bit and accompany it with music from Swan Lake.

Very cool.

Nice video.  Thanks for sharing