TRACK PROBLEMS

TRACK PROBLEMS

Selected images revealing problems with industrial track.

LACK OF MAINTENANCE -- The problems in this piece of track include track that is badly out of alignment,
cross-level across the rails is bad, less visible but significant are many rotted ties, consecutive ties missing spikes and loose joint bars. Also note the brush and lack of adequate drainage. Ballast was marginal with evidence of mud having leeched up at some joints.

ROTTED CROSS TIES -- (LOWER FOREGROUND) The evidence here is the standing spike on the right and a tie plate that has cut into the tie. On the left the tie plate is loose and there is a split radiating out from the spike along the center of the tie. Note the cinder ballast

HEAD WORN RAIL -- The rail on the left side of the joint has a worn head. It is obvious when looking at the top left of the joint bar. The lip of the joint bar is rolled down and torn by the flanges of passing cars actually riding on on the flange instead of the rail head. This rail dates to about 1930.

RAIL END BREAK -- This rail broke out through a bolt hole. It happened to be on the field side of a curve and was an invitation for a derailment.

SUN KINK -- Here's one of the fabled sun kinks that literally shifted the entire track towards a parallel track. The cause was unanchored rail, and cinder ballast that could not hold track on a particularly hot and sunny day.

FAILED JOINT -- This joint failed under the weight of a passing train moving at walking speed. Note the rotted ties and missing track bolts. A few solid ties and four tight bolts could have avoided this problem. The car rolled over and its wheel is visible on the upper right.

SPREAD RAIL DUE TO DEFECTIVE TIES -- This is a rail that spread under a passing car. It was caused by defective ties. There is only one good tie in the photo, when there should be a majority of spike-holding ties. Note that a derailed car will cut through defective ties, this complicates rerailing efforts and adds to the overall expense.

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