While Out Nosing Around Sunday..

[brakie]

What do I come across on this chilly and damp day but the folllowing.

 

[brakie]

And a close up..

 

[MasonJar]

Cool... but what is it?

Andrew

 

[Iron Goat]

Looks like a rail grinder belonging to LORAM (a contract MOW company...)

 

[brakie]

Andrew,Its a Loram rail gtinder..This was parked on the short side track next to Transco..

 

[MasonJar]

Thanks guys... I thought that's what it might be. Now my next silly question....

Is it a good idea to be making huge amounts of hot sparks with three petroleum tankers in tow (or do they leave them behind when grinding)?

Andrew

 

[Iron Goat]

I guess that's why they give the job to a "contract" outfit.....

Bob

 

[Clerk]

I thought those were water tanks in case of fires?????

 

[who_dat73]

I talked to the guys when I caught them in town and most of the tanks are water to wet the rails for grinding its kinda a neat opperation

 

[Chessie6459]

Larry that is Great that you came across that. Great Photo's.:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

 

[MasonJar]

Thanks for the clarification on the tankers... Makes sense to have your own fire fighting outfit in tow...!

Andrew

 

[Dave Flinn]

Now the trick is to catch them at work, especiallly at dusk. The sparks are spectacular.

 

[kf4jqd]

Some more good pictures.:thumb:

Andy

 

[who_dat73]

For the life of me I cant rember how much they said it would cost to replace a mile of rail but if memory serves me right I think it saves $6000 per mile if they just grind the heads down a few times before replacing them!! Dont Quote me on that it wasd about a year ago that I talked to them. Just a tidbit of info thought might be of intrest
Mike

 

[Roger Hensley]

Now the trick is to catch them at work, especiallly at dusk. The sparks are spectacular.

Ask and ye shall receive. Here is a shot I found several years ago. Photo and photog info included.

Photographer: Richard Nimtz
Description:
Railroad Rail Grinder working on the Conrail Tracks near Leer Street in South Bend, Indiana. The picture was taken at dusk. A time exposure. January 1994