After stone is in place, there is still work
to be done. Track must be lined so it is
straight (where it should be) or smoothly
curved (where needed). Ballast must be tamped
into place under and around the ties to provide
firm support.
Tamping in progress at the familiar rocks.
<< Four tamping/surfacing
passes were made over the entire line. Some spots
received 6-7 passes to correct persistent
irregularities.
Since the rail used is
light and old, the final trackage is not perfect,
but it's better than many Class 1 railroad branch
lines!!
A close-up of the business end
of the tamper.
The
tamper first grabs the rail with clamps. It then
lifts the rail and attached ties using the
hydraulic jacks visible at right and left of the
machine. Four vibrating sets of finger then tamp
ballast around and under the ties to hold the
position. >>
