Although not a high production day, Brian and Graham try out a plan to handle ties and also talk about a new machine and a possible new customer.
Пікірлер: 451
@cmphighpower2 жыл бұрын
Way too slow using the method your using. Definitely need a grapple. It’s going to take forever if it takes an hour to replace one tie
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
That was day one! Day 2 got much better, look for "part two" this Saturday, the the 2nd. Brian and Graham
@pcs25112 жыл бұрын
Live and learn. Question Do you sense that these shortlines are making a comeback?
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Well, good topic. The current economy with higher fuel prices and less available ( and willing ) labor would make you think it has to have a positive effect on shorelines. But there are so many "moving parts". Condition of your infrastructure, your connections to the outside word, and how deep are your pockets? It is a topic for TRAINS Magazine, Id love to read all about it. B.
@wilfred83262 жыл бұрын
@@eastterminalrailway5975 my pockets are not deep. I am however sorry that I was not living close by to be your extra hand when Graham isn't there. I haven't done much with an excavator but a lot with forklifts. Hand and power tools. I know RR History and have experience. I have much Transportation Management experience from the Army so that could help with marketing. Plus each time you go out it looks Fun!
@wilfred83262 жыл бұрын
@@eastterminalrailway5975 I re-read your post about the economy, fuel prices, AS WELL as the moving parts, connections via Rail + Truck, infrastructure, as well. In the Army in the Iraqi Surge, managing convoys, we tried to always have no Empty Trucks over the Road Just Loads. We worked with Subordinate units to ensure movement of cargo, proper routing, (move it once not 2x.) Push the beans, and bullets to the bases (basic supplies), then there was infrastructure, if there was an issue with bridges we would get the engineers to work on bridges such as cribbing it up to avoid weight limits. Another might be closing certain routes due to clearance or bridge collapse (or pontoon bridge over river w/low water) meant planning..... The RR near me, Mass Coastal serves the largest Fishing port in the Continental USA. They get fish 🐟 from the PACIFIC Northwest but no fish leaves by rail. I believe that equipment should be utilized going in and out. If the RR needs to facilitate this (especially a shortline). by providing a service such as steam cleaning between loads.
@josephbrandtner77132 жыл бұрын
You need to jack the rail up to get the ties out. I see no track jacks and lining bars. Rail tongs. Manual tie tongs. With the old tie removed, you need to break up the "hard pan" surface that the old tie was sitting on and crib that out good before putting the "new" tie in place or you willl hump the track in that spot. Forget the excavaator and get a couple pair of manual tie tongs. (You could have loaded all you relay ties by hand in about 1/5the the time spent dealing with the excavator). Ties are placed with the heartwood side down. Don't place relay ties with the spike holes facing down. Water will wick up through the tie rotting it out faster. Buying "relay" ties from a landscaper means that they were already rejected as railroad relay ties! I hate to see yoou putting in all that work only to have to do it over.
@daviddauphin8382 жыл бұрын
Need a spiking maul.
@grantbagwell80922 жыл бұрын
So go help em
@steamdaysstoker2 жыл бұрын
I agree with you Joseph. Track jacks make manual tie replacement easier.
@jamesstrickland14782 жыл бұрын
You are correct Joseph about the "hard pan", that mound will cause problems down the road.
@bozzaa2 жыл бұрын
Good advise.
@danmathers1412 жыл бұрын
This is a lot of work for just one tie. I think you guys are up to it.
@railfan4392 жыл бұрын
Brian, it was great meeting you in Fullerton. Thanks for the video. Jon, on the U.P., Pacific Coast Line, Santa Barbara Sub, M.P. 404.5
@Poppy-ln9fh2 жыл бұрын
You guys should contact ccrx6700 he's has a u tube channel. He works on a rail road and does track work. Maybe he can give you some pointers on tie replacement, Just a thought.
@kens.37292 жыл бұрын
I’ll give this Father & Son Team an A+ for Team Work, Persistence and Hard Work. Enjoying the Ride. 👍
@ADSC20062 жыл бұрын
ah perfect timing. Just yesterday I was wondering when we'd see an ETR upload.
@charlessapp18352 жыл бұрын
I love how you guys are rebuilding that line! If anyone is interested in doing the same, I know that there is an abandoned 1-2 mile branch line to the City of Java, South Dakota. I believe that when the Milwaukee Road built the line through there they missed the town, so instead of moving the town, they just built a short branch line. I have no idea how much work would be required but there might be an opportunity.
@wilfred83262 жыл бұрын
I have the idea finding shortlines/unused spurs to work with and local agents to market the business to help communities and industries. In the Army in Transportation, you wanted the 🚚 moving with a load as much as possible. I would like to apply that logic to any line. Loads in and out! Become the RR specialist that your customers can rely on. If you are a RR that is "Seasonal" or dependent on a single commodity, then try to diversify. If you need special cars, invest but see if you can find a partner road that can use other part of year (for example Bangor + Aroostook shipped potatoes 🥔 via insulated boxcar in partnership w/Fruit Growers Express). The problem with many RR's is that what could be 2 way traffic is not. Example: New Bedford MASS. It is one of the largest fishing ports in the USA. No fish leaves by rail. A company there, however, receives Fish from the Pacific Northwest! If it was me? Market Rail! Steam clean the cars, then load with fish. If you transload via truck try to plan quick turnaround with your wheeled assets too. You need to understand rate structures, per diem, taxes, etc.
@glennpupino48902 жыл бұрын
Hope you guys get that first customer!!
@BattleshipOrion2 жыл бұрын
I might have to build my own here soon. Though I need a hardy crew. I would not mind going back to SD, but the winters are hard on my back.
@jeffreygosselin75762 жыл бұрын
Very cool Charles Sapp. Let us know if you find out any new information about that branch line and share it with us.
@patrickninocn22052 жыл бұрын
Looks like this branch line connected to some other RR that went right thru town! Edited: same RR they rerouted North of town in 1908. I found it
@natiman13452 жыл бұрын
Love the channel. Think we may be looking at a 2075 opening target date with one tie a week!
@jmwhambone62232 жыл бұрын
These are some hard working men. Makes you appreciate what went into building the rails of America.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
JMW I am inspired by the 1st transcon, but also the first bridge over the Mississippi. B.
@Justfor1day2 жыл бұрын
So impressed with Graham. So many young guys like him are glued to XBox games and Graham has gained such a wealth of knowledge with all he has experienced.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
michael Yes! and now he is gaining momentum in his scrap processing business. I am proud of him! Dad
@eugenetswong Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this labour, Brian & Graham! It's really encouraging.
@grumpytopret14072 жыл бұрын
Was I the only one who cheered out loud when that first tie pulled right out?
@davefuelling79552 жыл бұрын
I looked up the Nolan RP1 and that wedge is part of it. You put the bracket part over the top of the rail, then you put the wedge piece with the teeth against one side of the rail and drive it in the gap which pulls the bracket across and against the other side of the rail locking it in place.
@dr.ryttmastarecctm65952 жыл бұрын
The Nolan Co.'s webpage has a great picture of the rail puller installed.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Thanks Doc! I'll go look at it! Brian
@pcs25112 жыл бұрын
You're right on rail movement in heat and cold. We had to go half speed in the summer because of the rail movement.Hats off to you and your son. and I like a lot of folks would like to come and help if we were able.Folks this is the American dream in action.Thanks for the update
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
I got called one time for a huge buckle in the tracks, it looked like someone pulled the tracks over 4 feet with a dozer. It was because the expansion had no where to go, but laterally. B.
@pcs25112 жыл бұрын
@@eastterminalrailway5975 Been watching South coast rail videos which seem to cover Mass. Ma and new hamp all seem to be restoring old rail.Just wondering if you had a feel for it happening.
@steveanderson92902 жыл бұрын
Holy cow, what an operator on that BNSF video! Graham is doing really well too, nothing much can humble you quicker than learning to operate an excavator.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more! B.
@petercruikshank26182 жыл бұрын
Two observations.... 1. In our basement my dad Warren had a peg board with hooks of all kinds. Each tool was outlined in black marker so you knew when you took it down where it should go when it was returned. I often thought while I was growing up and beginning to "borrow" dad's tools that the whole set-up was silly. Not so much now.... 2. When you commented about working with your son that you thought you could do it faster maybe so but oh those memories! We were all watching the learning curve and fresh eyed approach to problem solving meeting up with the wisdom of the ages....(you might say aged I WILL NOT!). I think there is a golden spike ceremony somewhere down the rails! God Speed ETR!
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Always words of wisdom! Thanks B.
@pulaski12 жыл бұрын
Kudos to you guys for proving that replacing ties _can_ be done with hand and make-do tools. That is the sort of project that I have done several times, before deciding that it was too time consuming and tiring, and that renting better machinery, or paying someone else to do it, makes more sense. Projects on this list include sanding hardwood flooring, and moving saw logs from within a stand of trees, using nothing but ropes, rollers, a crow-bar, and manual labor.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
The goal was to see if it worked then to improve the process. The most learning is done in that zone. I've learned a lot in this week of tie replacement school. Brian
@L_SGarage2 жыл бұрын
I can’t wait to see that line with cars. I’m part of a group in NC we are a Speeder/Inspection Car group and we own 14 miles we are trying to revive for service as well. Red Spring & Northern. It’s been a long road.
@jimikrentkowski40732 жыл бұрын
Just looked up RSN and looks like a great revival story! Best wishes!
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
How cool! Feel free to keep us updated, is it just for speeders or is there a plan for bigger equipment? Brian
@ablemagawitch2 жыл бұрын
what part of North Carolina?
@Justfor1day2 жыл бұрын
Admire u 2...rooting for you both that this becomes a reality and business will come to you..
@jackseamon70642 жыл бұрын
Greenery getting green. A bit of advice to get your spray plan in gear. Stumps and roots use stored energy to put out new growth that will in turn give more energy for more growth. Killing it back now will have used up part of its energy and prevent it from photosynthesising more. You will kill them by starvation.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Jack Tell me more how to starve them? Brian
@OldFatWhiteMan2 жыл бұрын
I give you guys all the credit in the world... it's a big gamble trying to restore an old rail line and hoping for business... maybe by the time yall get all the bad ties replaced , yall will have new customers 👊
@richardlafleur39742 жыл бұрын
Brian, it was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. ETR, and daughter last Saturday in Fullerton. With all thing we do for the first time, it's a slow process. With time, experience along with hard work and the new machine it will get faster. Hoping the new building owners will be a good customer for you.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Richard Thank you! You are a class act and really nice guy. Pleasure meeting you! Brian
@maxmacdonald71742 жыл бұрын
Being creative does work. I enjoyed the video. Biggest obstacle is using old railroad ties your weather will too be harsh for them.
@jasonk97792 жыл бұрын
I used to volunteer on a private railroad and I know much much fun replacing ties isn't :) If I were in your shoes I'd hire a crew to come in and refresh the ballast and the ties that need replacing which they'd be able to do in an afternoon otherwise you'll be there forever :)
@crasher3032 жыл бұрын
Brilliant Dad, & lad crafting together. And then a few pints together afterwards.
@dennisb-trains232 жыл бұрын
Oh guys! That's great news about the potential buyer wanting rail service ! This would be a huge boost for you! I'm so happy for the potential.
@svenmartin8402 жыл бұрын
Now that was awesome. It reminded of me of Mike Mugglian and his steam shovel Mary Anne a book by Virginia Burton. When I was a little boy. And I see the new Mary Anne working today. On the ETR. And Dad reminds me of my dad's brother Paul. Who was a very gentle speaker. But also very private too. He passed away in 2009 from Cancer. But he kept it personal and private. So his children, nieces, and nephews including me. Would not be sad or distraught. Thanks for the video. Keep up the good work Sven
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Sven Thanks. Brian
@Travis-kw3mo2 жыл бұрын
I suggest weld a eyelet on the back of the bucket for the tongs to hook too. And really sharpen those tongs. But your on the right track that machine is the perfect size for what y'all need because it fits between the rail.
@weathertrainsrandomniss10832 жыл бұрын
I am sure you will get a rhythm down and make quick work of the ties. I never like working on cold spring days. Once the weather warms a little, makes working outside better. I moved thousands of pounds of large landscaping stone with my father over a 3+ year period. We had good days and we had bad days. In the end the project turned out fantastic and looking back it was a great time spent bonding and working together. Keep up the great work. Cheers from the 920 of WI.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
w-e-r Some good times, and some days when you could have done better. But always progress!
@johniacono37252 жыл бұрын
I believe you would be better off if you bought two or more rail jacks. Place one on either side of the tie or ties to be replaced. Remove the necessary spikes holding the rail down. Jack up the rail , remove the tie by sliding it out as you just did and sliding in the new tie and then lowering the rail onto the new tie and then lower the rail down. This eliminated the rail removal and the replacement of all the tie plates. Don’t forget to replace the tie plates and then especially level the rail by tamping new or clean ballast under the new tie.
@StCroix-up4km2 жыл бұрын
As the farmer I know would say: "It's progress". You're doing what you can with what you have at hand.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Progress AND learning! a twofer.
@scottkew62782 жыл бұрын
FANTASTIC! If you ever have watched the class 1 railroad tie replacement,they have that machine that routs out the ballast where the tie that was just removed in the slot left by that tie. Its a rotating cylinder that has small auging bits that runs perpendicular to the rail.It grinds clockwise, stops, and then runs counterclockwise. The rotating cylinder is the same length as a tie.
@timothyshepodd78262 жыл бұрын
Very well done gents! You have an unfathomable amount of work in front of you. Blessings!
@csxtommy65622 жыл бұрын
Since you installed your first tie, would be great to drive a special nail to mark the spot. Keep up the good work and wishing you guys the very best.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Or paint the whole tie ornge ! If we do we will call it the "tommy tie" Good idea!
@richardoneil71072 жыл бұрын
Slick. When I first started watching - when you first started - I didn’t give you much of a chance to succeed. Now, I think you are going to make it work. Keep on plugging and I’ll definitely keep on watching. Living your dream. Not many get to do that. Stay healthy. Protect your back - literally, back issues would end your project.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Richard You are wind in our sails! Thanks so much for following! B.
@mikeskinner452 жыл бұрын
ADDENDUM: The scissors arrangement on a pallet puller makes them grip tighter the harder you pull. Releasing tension lets them open back up. When I drove an 18 wheeler, my pallet puller saved a lot of effort allowing a fork lift-and a chain(also mine)-to pull pallets from the front of a box trailer to the rear at places where there was no loading dock.
@williamstrausner90632 жыл бұрын
Agree Pallet tongs with a swivel would be the ticket for loading, pulling and placing ties. Check out #1 landscape ties . The lumberyard I worked at had 2 grades dozed one side best other then #2 really dozed one side ok on other split etc.
@matthewblessing89932 жыл бұрын
Love the video's. I would mark ties with paint.
@MrOlderandwiser2 жыл бұрын
The task for the ETR is to provide quality dependable service so any company that uses your service doesn't need to worry about their product when using your railway. Reliable service is a must. Cutting corners to save money may work for a little while, but it might eventually bite you in the rear end! Good Luck! I really enjoy your channel!
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Mr Thanks Yes once there is income and a customer reliability is a must! Brian
@karenholmes27642 жыл бұрын
The Chinese are pivoting their attention toward their west with their Silk Road plan. With that and their relationship to Russia, the US businesses may be coming back home. Made in America means we have to up the manufacturing sector so the terminal railroads may be once again coming back, too. Brian, you are showing the way!
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Karen Bobby Orr, the great hockey player said " I skate too slow to keep up with the puck, so I skate to where the puck will be!" Maybe the ETR will be in the right place at just the right time! Brian
@300419462 жыл бұрын
Well done ... every one you do is a step forward and making things a lot safer.
@donaldrodgers83892 жыл бұрын
Congrats on the 1st tie replaced.The ETR is lookin great.With every tie replaced.Tie plate set.Every spike spiked down.Every fishplate bolted.The ETR is a great railroad.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Thanks Donald !
@dlagrua2 жыл бұрын
There are small automatic tie replacement machines available that run with a small gas engine. The Black River and Western RR short line in NJ uses one. It used to be shown in action on their website.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Dennis We bought one! It will need work.... but I agree it is a much better way to do this! Brian
@YoungstownSteelHeritage2 жыл бұрын
Use the excavator to dig out the hole for the tie, then just slide the new tie in with a pair of tie tongs. It is best to not change ties with one rail missing. There is nothing to judge whether the new tie is low enough. We spent half the day today pulling out and resetting ties that were put in with only one rail in place. Much better to slide the new tie under both rails than redoing your work. Best advice is to get that tie inserter running and then mess with the ties. You will save a lot of time in the long run.
@williammorse83302 жыл бұрын
good luck guys with the potential new rail customer.... very cool
@Travis-kw3mo2 жыл бұрын
Won't be long y'all will be doing vegetation management again on the ETR. That handy dandy sprayer will be put to work
@eddiane2 жыл бұрын
Great video. You are very fortunate to be able to do this with your son and I love watching this, I have 3 girls. Its interesting to see just how much work has to be done and I think back to the tough old dudes who didnt have the advantage of machinery. Im hoping for great things to come especially with the potential for a customer on the line. Cant wait for the next video. Get those ties replaced before the mosquitos come back!
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Ed Thank You, as a nation we have gotten soft. Lets get-er-done. B.
@tedmiles21102 жыл бұрын
At theWesteern Railway Museum our Track Department using a lot of tie machinery replaces about 1000 ties a year. They work two Saturdays a month. There is a goal for you guys to air for!
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Ted Thats like a skate boarder in the Indy 500! But we will get faster! B.
@tankbutterball2 жыл бұрын
Good afternoon. I am the train master and volunteer at the Southern Michigan railroad. We are a non profit passenger railroad. Recently we have started use machines like you on our railroad. We have been working hard to replace tires We would love to invite your crew up to our rail line. Ted Delphia is a member here he was mentioned in a video.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the invite! Ted is a draw, but you ALL sound like great people and hard working railroaders! Brian
@WesternMichiganRailway2 жыл бұрын
Tell Ryan Katon that Cornhole and the GDLK boys say hi next time you see him!
@tankbutterball2 жыл бұрын
@@WesternMichiganRailway I will.
@tankbutterball2 жыл бұрын
@@eastterminalrailway5975 thanks we have a great group of people.
@vettebecker12 жыл бұрын
great job guys, making progress
@ThePaulv122 жыл бұрын
For pulling wet rotten ties out, try a chain with a ring on the end and choke the chain around the tie. Once you've found the technique cut the chain to the length you need and use a rated hook on the bucket end. A rated hook has forged in flats on the hook. I drag logs around my place. I am a trucker so I kind of know how to make it all work. Point is if you choke the tie, the noose so to speak has a greater surface area to bite on and the harder you pull the more it tightens. Being chain, release the tension and it just falls off.
@dmorgan282 жыл бұрын
Keep up the good work. It will come together for you. Just keep after it. You have already overcome insurmountable tasks. I know you guys can do it!!!👍👍👍❤️
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Thanks Don! Your encouragement means a lot! Brian
@kevinkennedy77022 жыл бұрын
I believe to make track passable there should be one good tie for every 5. Again that is from my memory...there are lots of people more educated in this field than me.
@jml89752 жыл бұрын
Why not use the grapple on the Hy Rail truck for tie replacement? I believe the big guys do this. It might be easier/go faster. You wouldn't need a rail cart, since there's a flatbed.
@randyclyde49392 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video! Great fun watching and figuring out how you're going to do the next thing... Since I don't know much about rails and ties, to watch and listen fills in information that helps me understand how these things work together. Blessings to you both!
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! Brian
@dougmasters6812 жыл бұрын
Nice work fellas! I wish you all the best in your quest! What a cool thing it is you have started!
@cidcolead11152 жыл бұрын
I am most concerned about the mud and organic material in road base and ballast. It holds a lot of water that will continue to rot your ties. I saw Graham remove bits of tree roots from between the ties.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
I am learning that clean, good ballast is a must! B.
@chrisduprey72832 жыл бұрын
I like how you show us everything-The good, bad, and the ugly.
@earlschmitt8842 жыл бұрын
What you and I like, is also the biggest obstacle. That is the challenge of doing the unknown. The mistakes comes from not knowing how to do something because you have never done anything like that before. And that is the biggest obstacle to overcome. But learning from those mistakes is what brings the success. I am quite sure you have viewers that have actually worked on the railroads who already have learned the tricks of the trade. Rely upon them. Learn all that you can before starting a project. Let your son do some of the research and come up with some of the answers. And of course, a lot of prayer helps the most.
@vmiley12 жыл бұрын
You all really need to invest in a hydraulic grappling hook of some kind to pick up rails and ties. It would save a lot of time in the long run.
@rickaser23832 жыл бұрын
Agree about needing tie handler and labor, but budgetary realities likely preclude that for now. The tongs and excavator are adequate for the low volume of tie replacement.. IMHO.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Yes and the equip we just bought will help ALOT. BTW....speaking of budget, you will love the deals we got!
@richardmassoth82372 жыл бұрын
To go along with Dave Fuelling below, you have a Nolan Company RP-1 Rail Puller and locking wedge, model 811. You can see the model number at 25:49 in the video. The locking wedge goes with the teeth up and against the rail to make the RP-1 grip the top of the rail and let you lift it with a clevis through the top of the rail puller. One side of the rail puller is against the rail and the other is against the shoe of the wedge. The wedge shoe (your thumb is resting on it at 25:49) is on the same side as its model number. If you contact the Nolan Company, they may still have an instruction manual for that model Rail Puller. The current model is the RP-1F with wedge R1157, rated for 100-141 pound rail.
@glf0012 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the video, There has to be a easier way though. You said you bought two pieces of equipment for replacing ties at an auction I would love to hear more about that and see the equipment in operation. If some potential business is coming, you need to be ready! Keep up the good work. Happy to see Graham back on the ETR.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Greg You guys will have a cow when you see what I bought! " Needs repair ", is putting it very nicely. But I can make most anything run, and we will learn together. B.
@glf0012 жыл бұрын
@@eastterminalrailway5975 Don't keep it a secret for too long! Share some video of it. I very much look forward to see any maintenance of way equipment you guys have bought. Very cool
@Sicorius2 жыл бұрын
I love your use of Klezmer music. Great video guys. Keep up the good work
@ocsrc2 жыл бұрын
The ROW has enough space that you can add a second track You can add a switch and get another 600 feet of track, even more if you add another switch. Looking at the property map you could get about 4000 feet of new track in the future. If you are going to rip out all the ties I would shift the track 5 feet over Looking down the track there is a lot of space A terminal yard with a series of switches is what I envision
@johnjohnston29622 жыл бұрын
I so enjoy your work.
@joshbenton40802 жыл бұрын
You mentioned something about the rails "moving" with temperature changes. One thing I didn't notice on these tracks, are rail anchors or "anticreepers". Since you folks are still using stick rail track, you probably might want to consider adding rail anchors to the rails every forth tie, on both sides of the ties. Ribbon rail on the other hand, requires rail anchors practically every other tie if the traditional "dog spikes" are being used. I'm surprised you haven't had any "pull a parts" due to the lack of rail anchors on those tracks. Stay safe and God bless.
@daveintucson85412 жыл бұрын
One big obstacle that I see is you guys have soooo much work to do. Ties to be replaced, brush and trees to be cleared, raising the track in Death Valley, keeping the weeds at bay. Seems like that would be a job for a crew of 10 or more. Hopefully y'all have a budget to bring in some helpers?
@dennisrichardville49882 жыл бұрын
Working hard to get lucky ! And doing a fine job..... The PC would be proud !
@andrewandfionadelisle63212 жыл бұрын
We use a spade attachment with a thumb on a hyrail excavator. You can dig out the old tie and then pull it clear, then you can slide in the new tie and push it up under the rail, packing the ballast up under it. Takes a minute or two per tie. You need better ties perhaps buy some second grade ones from a railroad.
@YoungstownSteelHeritage2 жыл бұрын
Another method that we use is to utilize the grapple truck to change ties. The procedure is as follows: dig next to the tie you want to change out with the bucket to make a hole to slide the tie into . Then put the bucket so that one side grabs the rail and the other pushes on the old tie, then squeeze. This will push the tie sideways towards the hole. Then open up, put a block of wood in place then push again, this shoves the tie another foot. Now move the bucket to grab the other rail with one side, the end of the tie with the other and squeeze again. Then pull on the end to get it the rest of the way out. It takes a bit of experience to get proficient at it, and its better if the track is strong enough to withstand side pressure on the rails, but it is an effective way to change ties without a lot of hand work. We replaced three ties today using this method.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
I have heard of doing this, but I didnt think of it! I will try that and record my best effort, thanks for the good idea. Brian
@billmorris26132 жыл бұрын
When we did a tie change project a track inspector would walk the section and mark each bad tie to be changed with a spot of spray paint.
@leskeegan90332 жыл бұрын
You are correct. That is a Nolan RP-1. Today it is listed as a Nolan RP-1F on their website
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Les Thanks for researching! B.
@stevebonczyk37952 жыл бұрын
The best thing you have going for yourself is the attitude you take to do the job. Its the can do it. The fact that you admit that some of the things you do may not work. The fact that you are asking for opinions for your viewers for suggestions shows you are open to constructive criticism. As for me I am involved in construction but not railway construction. If I had to do what you are doing I would look at the following. Remove the rail as you have done. Get a large eye bolt with a wood thread. Use an impact gun to dive the eye bolt into the middle of the tie and pull it out. (Could slot a large socket to fit over the eye bolt.) Would then use the 12" bucket to clean where the tie was removed from. Less manual labor the better for your back. Would then have 4 or 5 ties already ready with the eye bolts in them to then slide into place. For the chain lifting the ties I would use a swivel hook so that the ground person can easily swivel the tie into place. couple of other option when removing the tie your excavator seemed to push the tie our pretty easy. Would it help if you placed a smaller block on the end of the tie to help push it our from under the rail? As for placing the tie into position if you removed a little more ballast from underneath the tie I know the tie would not be properly supported. Could you then add more ballast and used a small plate compactor to help get the ballast back under the tie?
@clintmcintyre61652 жыл бұрын
Seen Graham was in my state last week glad to see him back at the ETR
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Clint I was glad to have him back. B.
@buck90182 жыл бұрын
I enjoy the clarinet music at 27:20, its frantic pace is just right for tie replacement. This channel is the only place in the world for this type entertainment. Looks like ETR needs at least 5 ties per 39 feet of rail with a good tie at every joint. This should add up to about 300 to 400 replacement ties to bring the ETR System up to Class 1 FRA standards (10 mph). To get to class 2 (25 mph) another 150 - 200 ties would be needed. 40 years ago a 30 man tie gang could install about 10 ties per man-hour with a mechanized gang. Glad to see you guys are making videos again, this will help the ETR Nation grow.
@rgiordano82242 жыл бұрын
Great work on ties.....great video...fix it and customers will come.
@wardfamily111 Жыл бұрын
I believe the next piece of equipment you should look into is a backhoe. You can replace ties without taking rail apart plus many other uses
@squidkid28 ай бұрын
If I was doing it I think I would figure out how to remove the existing ballast cause once you remove a tie the ballast falls into the space left by removing the tie. Perhaps put the crawler on the side of the track and use the bucket to drag out the ballast from either side of the tie you are going to remove. Put that ballast in a container on your rail cart. Then when you've removed and replaced all the ties go back and dump the removed ballast back on the ties you replaced. It seems like handling all that ballast is the most labor intensive part of the job. In fact now that I think about it you probably should remove both rails and remove all the ties from that section. Then use the scraper blade to remove all the ballast then lay all you ties back down (new and old) and replace the ballast.
@tomroise94262 жыл бұрын
Thx for taking us along B&G! Great job. Good times on the ETR. Very exciting news on the new customer!! Can’t wait to hear more about it. Your tie was not level but I am sure you saw that in the replay. Add a construction level to your tool box. Here is a thought. With a new customer coming on board you will now qualify for funding to rehab your RR! You can apply for a federal and or local grant for funding. I’m sure other watchers will help you with this process xx Congrats !!
@daheick2 жыл бұрын
The way we do it is we have the backhoe on the track because meany times you cant get it from along side it. 1st thing is to pull out the spikes and plates. then make a trench for the old tie to slide out in if its necessary. Then push on the end of the tie until it gets to the rail. some times you have to wiggle it around a bit. then stick the teeth from the bucket into the tie in the center of the gauge and continue to push the tie out. Once the old tie is out make sure the space for the new tie will go into is big enough. Then push a new tie in making sure as you push in the new tie the end doesn't start traveling upward it will hit the rail on the other side. it should slide in nice and easy. Then tamp the tie up to the rail not in the center just under the rail about 1 foot on either side. then jack up the rail and put the plates back in. then gauge the rail and respike it.
@randallkuehnle82282 жыл бұрын
First off you can get those ties out without removing the rail. Pull the spikes then break tie loose just as you did by pushing it on the end. Then hook tongs to tie and pull from the opposite end.It should slide out fairly easily if you removed the tie plates. After removal of old tie pick and shovel the roadbed down. There are 6x7 ties and 7x8 ties so you need to measure to see how deep to go when cleaning out tie bed so it slides back in easily. Then slide new / relay tie in with tongs or your excavator. Put your plates back on and spike. Make sure to check the track gage. Will go much easier when yo get your tie remover/inserter running. Good luck.
@RussellNelson2 жыл бұрын
"It should slide out fairly easily if you removed the tie plates. " Unlikely. Have you *seen* the ties they're removing? About the only way to remove some of them is with a shovel. 90% rot.
@randallkuehnle82282 жыл бұрын
@@RussellNelson your right...some will break apart and come out in piece's...but most will come out whole just like the one they pulled.
@fredspindor16242 жыл бұрын
To do track work you always need a sledge hammer round shovel put the minney x at the end of the tie to pull it out & push it in & to clean the crib out
@mikeskinner452 жыл бұрын
Just a thought: yellow spray paint on ties to be replaced.
@killersopinion18292 жыл бұрын
My road uses orange paint, but it will fade to white after 3-6 months.
@robertclark63492 жыл бұрын
Also good for marking broken bolts or cracked joint bars.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
I use orange today, but didn't think about fade. B.
@Rolf-Dieter_Damm2 жыл бұрын
In my humble opinion the problem of moving Ties with the Log tongs is the leverage. If you extend the (very) short end with a piece of steel bar and chains the Problem should be gone. Good luck and have a nice week!
@pulaski12 жыл бұрын
I think those log tongs are too short on the "crane side". Also raw logs are relatively soft, especially the outer layer of sap wood, compared to RR ties which are as hard as iron, well almost.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Yes I looked at the tongs and thought the same thing! Lack of squeeze because the short top arms. B.
@wardfamily111 Жыл бұрын
I just subscribed to this great channel. I currently work for a contractor that works only for railroad in California Arizona Nevada.
@matt48902 жыл бұрын
Great job guys. Nice to see father and son making memories like my dad and I used to . He gave orders all the time too..lol, but what I would give to have those days back. Enjoy the time together fellas. #ETRNATION.
@YoungstownSteelHeritage2 жыл бұрын
That "wedge" is part of an adjustable rail brace for a slide plate on a turnout, probably for 132RE rail. The wedge that would go with the rail puller is something completely different.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Thanks Rick! You are the Man! We love what you are doing in Youngstown, I know its your passion! Brian
@alcopower57102 жыл бұрын
This job can benefit from some young guys and a few bags of White Castles.
@rsbennett65892 жыл бұрын
This has been the most entertaining 45 min. of the day. I can't tell if you guys are having fun or not. But, you are working hard and that is it's own reward. Good to see a Father and Son, disagree on some things, but get the job done. I, like many others, hope this all works out for you.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
R.S. It is fun, in a "look what we got done way". My favorite sport is...wait for it......work! B.
@666Codpiece2 жыл бұрын
Well done! Keep up the good and interesting work!
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Thanks, will do!
@billmorris26132 жыл бұрын
The biggest obstacle that first popped into my mind is having the proper tools for the job, and I’m not talking about the hand tools.
@garymessina16092 жыл бұрын
Weld a hook to back side of the excavator bucket you also need a 1 foot bucket to crib the ties
@Robman2920002 жыл бұрын
Portable TKO / tie extractor backhoe with a thumb and cribbing bucket works great for the money. BNSF sales are used ones to one company that resells them, or Check into renting one.
@zulubravo57332 жыл бұрын
Having seen and provided opportunities for many machine operators to learn, Graham has all the necessary attributes to be a very good operator! Don’t forget to listen to him…..a tremendous opportunity for you both
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
ZB I do listen, but I am a little hard headed..... ( and extremely proud of him! ) Brian
@bradfordthompson83262 жыл бұрын
Perhaps could you take another bucket and Weld on sides and bottom so the bucket for exculator is 2 1/2 Feet long and put exculator on outside of track and use the new ETR bucket FOR DIGGING OUT DIRT AND BALLAST BETWEEN TIES...A TIE SWITCHER ATTACHMENTS WORK THE SAME....ANY WAYS MUCH CONGRATULATIONS SO EXCITING ON THE BIG NEW RAILWAY CUSTOMERS....CANT HARDLY WAIT TO SEE YOU TWO USE "The 2021" moving first car
@bradkuether35612 жыл бұрын
That was pretty cool. Biggest obstacle? Right equipment for the job. You guys appear to have the basics, however unsure how you are going to fill the ballast back in so it doesn't sag there. I see the big operators use vibrators to do that. Maybe you got one, dunno. I am rooting for you. I know that you guys are NOT part of the spectrum that believes America and American ingenuity and hard work are dead. Every video shows the exact opposite and snuffs out that thinking.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Brad I want you to know, that was a huge compliment! But when I think of our forefathers and all they accomplished and did, I feel like a slacker. We bought a hand held vibrating tamper, needs repair, but should be ideal. B.
@wilfred83262 жыл бұрын
Brian, the shortline I worked 💪 👷♂️ for, (but before me) had a compressor trailer for pneumatic/compressed air tools. They put it on a heavy 4-wheel cart for track work. I never saw it used so it was busted and waiting for scrap to go up.
@timothystrauss38382 жыл бұрын
Good morning ETR glad to see a new video. You must be near an airport I heard the ✈️ overhead. Also nice music while we're watching you men working. Will keep you all in prayers as I have been.
@josephwiese39372 жыл бұрын
Thank you, you just made my Sunday morning. 👍
@wilfred83262 жыл бұрын
The shortline I worked for, we used a backhoe to replace ties. The backhoe bucket was narrower or "custom" it had only 2 "teeth". The bucket dug and "rippled" the ballast to loosen the the tie, the spikes were pulled, the tie plates knocked out, then we stepped back (guys with track tools), the backhoe bucket swung to outside of tie butt, pushed under rail, then swung to center pushed out of under other rail, new tie put in same way but reversed. To keep track level we used jacks and rippled ballast under the ties.
@eastterminalrailway59752 жыл бұрын
Wilfred That's where the ETR is headed, thanks for the target. B.
@wilfred83262 жыл бұрын
@@eastterminalrailway5975 You're welcome. If recall, we replaced every so many ties 1 out 4 or 5/as needed. The ties were marked. We distributed along the line x # of ties at a time. We would pull the spikes, dig out a little ballast, jack the rails. The backhoe bucket did not have a thumb to grab but the operator was able to pick up ties. As far as the ballast goes, he was able to loosen it with the bucket as well as pack it in and tamp it to bring it up (pushing out the old tie often looses you some ballast). The the front bucket would often have stone and we would get a 5 gallon bucket and spread it arround new tie w/hand tools. We would tamp the track up or down to level often eyeballing it by trying to site it. Another line I did track work at was a 2 foot gauge tourist line. Gentlemen in charge of track Department generally wanted rails level and in gauge with each other. He took a SEARS level and built it into wood so it was square, to rest ON TOP of both rails, the under it he built a 24" of wood to keep the gauge of the rail.
@wilfred83262 жыл бұрын
@@eastterminalrailway5975 I will check on my Army RR Training/Field Manuals. I have 1 from 1980, 2 from January 1971. I also have " Professional Papers Corps of Engineers U.S. Army Military Railways" revised edition 1917