A Mechanical Track Layer.

A machine which is destined to play an important part in the repair of railway track (and in the construction of new track) has recently been introduced on the Home railways. It is called a “track layer,” and in laying track consisting of 45ft. rails, a speed of from 120 to 150 yds. per hour of complete track laid has been successfully accomplished by the new machine. The track is assembled in sections at a central workshop, from which it is transported on flat cars to the required location. The sections of rail are then lifted by means of an overhead trolley (designed to travel on runners along the side of the car) and carried forward to the “track layer” by which it is lowered into place. The new machines can also be employed for pulling up track.

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