All about Railroad Spikes

[@southerncross4956]

No script, no polish just a real railroad man (no museum guide) showing us around. Being a working man myself, I appreciate a man’s work, knowledge and skill. Thank you sir for your time to make this video.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the very nice comment. For sure I'm not a paid actor in a scripted movie, although that would probably pay better ...lol Thank for watching, appreciate your comment sir

[@663rainmaker]

@@ccrx6700 I can appreciate this videogate and the incredible History of Railroad 🛤

[@ccrx6700]

@@663rainmaker Thank you Paul, glad you enjoyed watching, I appreciate that

[@asabaallan4548]

Thanks

[@capttom7772]

You SIR! Are a GREAT teacher! I noticed that in your speech you realize the power of; "The Silent Pause" rather than; "a", "hum", "but".....ect.... Very well spoken and easy to understand and learn! THANK YOU !!!

[@ccrx6700]

Capt Tom, thank you, I am not a speaker, only a railroad worker, if I did anything right in speaking it was clearly by accident....LOL Appreciate your comment, and I learned something from it.

[@K3Flyguy]

Your using sarcasm right? 56 um's and uh"s in the video. I would have never counted until I read your post of not hearing that. Your correct, very few untrained folks can speak effectively. I liked the video, his um's and uh's did not in my opinion hurt the video. Nice video thank you for sharing.

[@ccrx6700]

@@K3Flyguy Thank you Michael. I never realized I was doing that so often, im sure it could be very annoying for some. Started listening to myself talk today, seems that has become a habit in how i talk to others. I really do appreciate your bringing that up, and more so that you did it in a kind way. I'm gonna try and change that habit cause I dont like it either, just did not realize I was doing it

[@krisbuildit5149]

I didn't even notice. You do it so subtly I wouldn't even worry about that. Do what you do. It's appreciated and you don't have to do it. Just appreciate that you do it at all on this end of the screen. Thanks again.

[@peerkirksey3678]

It's cool that you are willing to share your knowledge on track maintenance. Railroad companies should be using your videos to train their track maintenance workers.

[@js28123]

For real! I grasp the information much better seeing it visually but already had a decent understanding from book information that i had trouble focusing enough on and just hands on experience, asking my crew what EVERYTHING was and what its purpose was! Your videos are very informative and your personality is great! thank you sir! From a new railroader I'm in awe of your track wisdom! haha

[@michaelhay6255]

Been a train lover since I was a little boy back in the 50’s. Love your videos and all of the information. Thank you.

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Michael and thank you very much for the nice comment and for taking the time to watch the videos my friend.

[@papablue3015]

In early 80s I pounded 100s & 100s of spikes working on extra gang for U.P. Railroad! Hardest job I ever had! Now machines do it! Thanks!

[@ccrx6700]

Yes sir Mr. Gandy Dancer, gotta be a young strong man to do that all day! But times you will never forget, thanks for sharing that with us

[@syncrostep]

Excellent video, thank you. In New Zealand, the special spike pulling tool introduced at 10.00 minutes was called a "Dentist". The Dentist also had a 2 inch loose ring of 1/4 diameter rod forged into its top end and about four feet of sash cord was tied to the ring. This enabled the dentist to be used to pull the spikes on the outside of the rails on a bridge by levering the spike pulling bar over the rail and the track worker using the bar stood between the rails. A junior worker held on to the cord. When the spike, and the dentist came free, the cord ensured the dentist was not lost into the river below. I have worked on the railways 46 years and I have never seen spikes being installed because for years our timber sleeper track fastenings have been 6 or 8 inch screws.

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

Thank you very much for the really cool comment! I learned something new! They also use lag screws here in US for various applications such as Pandrol plates, often used in turnouts around frogs.

[@randykuhns4515]

This brings back good memories, when I started working out of high school I worked at Atlantic Creosote in Port Wentworth Ga, and operated the switch engine moving trams, and rail cars around the yard, and loading the treatment cylinders, we had tracks all over the yard and each section according where it was had a name, the Hotel track, the REA yard, the incoming lead, the outgoing, one track used to go out over the river and back, When I'd push a rail car or tram across the road to the office I'd blow the air horn with a half blow for a few seconds then a couple of short toots, I really enjoyed running it. I finally went to work in the shop and later could weld a switch point back up to where it was shaped as good as a new one and just as thin and tight to the rail on the end,.. I'd close the switch after grinding it to get it to close like original, then use a stainless 1/8 rod and lay the welds on top of each other and the flux kept the point from welding to the track,

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

Awesome comment Randy! I loved it, thank you for sharing with us your experiences

[@lindseysturkie2205]

Love railroad talk. Always lived within earshot of trains and often raced to the tracks to watch. Even lived on a farm once where there was a side track that marked the property line. Spikes were always a curiosity. Thanks for explaining.

[@danielzarwell9318]

I worked for the railroad in the engineering department and no person told me this. Thank you for this information. I am 83 years old. To late for me. Young men listen. The slicks hold the gauge.

[@ccrx6700]

Daniel, you are welcome. What railroad did you work for sir? I'm almost 67, I have learned a lot from a lot of really, really good folks over the years. When those guys talked, I listened and asked a lot of questions. Had a guy come here to work on my tamper, he used to teach school for tamper operators on how to set up curves for most of the Class 1 railroads. I took him out for dinner and paid for it cause I wanted to learn what he had to say, he was very generous with his knowledge. I've learned from some of the best folks in the business and am just sharing what they have given me.

[@CaptK-py8rq]

Thank you for taking the time to explain all of this, much appreciated! Questions that were always in the back of my mind but never knew anyone to ask!

[@ccrx6700]

You are welcome Captain, glad you enjoyed

[@AlleghenyMTNRails]

Most educational 15 minutes of my life. Learned so much. Keep up the great work boss.

[@ccrx6700]

Well thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed watching

[@prinz10ga]

Really???? Of your life?

[@mikemccann6556]

Well the only thing I could imagine was maybe it was struck with a matic when someone was trying do some digging. I could send it to you if you'd be interested, they're just not something I hold on to. I spent most of my days in the oil and gas fields and construction, when I wasn't trucking. Had to keep the kids fed, so you took what was available you know. It's pretty pitted all over. I wouldn't charge you anything.

[@kytom89]

Working with some railroad ties for landscaping and I became really curious about railroad spikes. This video hit the spot. Great work.

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks kytom, glad you enjoyed. We really appreciate your stopping by and watching my friend. You may like this one also where I talk more about spikes and do some hand driving of spikes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnvTq3SNaqiLkK8

[@donbullock8790]

My father was a painter for The CB&Q for almost 30 years. I was always interested in rail- roads, still am to this day. Thank you for that tidbit of information.

[@bobgoudie]

Nothing better than a man who is master of his craft. Years of knowledge and skills. Most folks now a days have the "fake it till you make it" mentality, which just rubs me the wrong way.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Bob, but actually here on the railroad I'm jack of all trades master of none...lol but hey, even a blind squirrel gets an acorn now and then heheh I do appreciate your nice comment and for watching sir

[@raymondsprengelmeyer1278]

Your enthusiasm and love of your work makes your great videos even greater! You just made a video about spikes very interesting! Thank you for your work. I wish everyone had your great attitude!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Raymond for the swell comment, really appreciate that and for your watching the show

[@keithlinney7084]

I'm an English guy that loves the blues and I've got to know everything I can to appreciate where it came from Great clip.. These guys worked hard.

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks so much Keith for taking the time to watch and write in with the nice comment my good man.

[@keithlinney7084]

Your welcome. I don't know why this part of history fascinates me but it has for 50 years. A few weeks ago I discovered the term, 'ridin' the blinds' was hitchin' a ride between the rail cars. I don't know why they're called blinds.

[@chrisbailey9331]

You have an ability to make learning about your job very easy to understand! It makes the viewer want to know more! Well done on another great video 👍🏻😁

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much Chris, I do appreciate the very nice comment and for you watching today my friend.

[@homefrontforge]

I worked on a factory warehouse remodel back in '82. The company was Cooper Energy. They made the massive diesel engines for the diesel-electric locomotives. From casting to final assembly all was done in house. When they tested them they would run full out, maximum rpms for 72 hours. The whole plant would hum with the vibration. When they shut the test engine down you felt like you would fall over from the lack of noise. We had to push our drywall carts what felt like a quarter mile through the plant. Huge facility, don't know if it even exists anymore. But it sure was one interesting summer.

[@ccrx6700]

Wow what a neat comment that was. I can just imagine hearing that noise and then nothing when it shut down. So cool you got to be around a big engine build from ground up. That would be so awesome to see done. Really appreciate your taking the time to write in and share my friend.

[@ebnertra0004]

I actually found one of those big claw bars laying against a bridge abutment. It now resides in the back of my car. Didn't think it would be as heavy as it was when I picked it up, but it makes a great prying tool for general use (I have not used it on an actual spike, nor do I intend to). I also found a lining bar (a diamond-point one). I'm not actually sure what that's for, but also pretty useful

[@fredschroyer584]

Your videos are an extraordinary education in REAL railroading. I enjoy your unscripted, folksy, tell-it-like-it-is style. And your obvious enthusiasm for railroading. Your videos are remarkably high quality with good audio. You unfailingly SHOW what you are talking about in lingering close-ups that let us really see. I've learned more about the nuts & bolts of RR maintenance from you than any other source. And I find it extraordinary that a mining company -- Cumberland Mine -- supports your educational outreach to the rest of us! (I'm sure there is an interesting story behind that, if you are willing to share it!) Anyway, thank you for your good work, both informative and entertaining!

[@ccrx6700]

Wow Fred, what a very nice and kind comment. We really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in. Curious, years ago had a neighbor by the same name, lived on One Arm Lady road, that wouldn't happen by any chance to be you would it? They moved away many years ago and I lost track of their whereabouts.

[@fredschroyer584]

@@ccrx6700 Hi, yes, that's me! (I replied before, but guess it didn't stick; don't see it here.) Where did you live? You look familiar but I can't place you!

[@ccrx6700]

@@fredschroyer584 I used to bale hay for you. Tim helped me out in the hay field many a time back then. Curious how Tim and Karen are, their and your where abouts

[@robinhoff4598]

Trip down memory lane. My first summer on the section gang was a real eye opener. I had just graduated from high school. I would ride to work with my mom who was a nurse. I took two lunches as one was gone by 10:00 am. Despite two lunches I lost 30 pounds in three months. I was so tired at the end of the day I would fall asleep in a wooden rocker still in my nasty work clothes. Mom felt sorry for me and woke me just in time for the next days work..one pair of work gloves per week. The old timers got tired of hanging spike mall handles for me and said learn to swing it or hang your own. The rail jacks were unbelievably heavy. It was said the softies of the. Soo Line got the aluminum ones while we on the Northern Pacific got the heaviest ones. There were some fun moments Icing down reefers, refrigerated cars, when it plus 90 degrees outside. Long runs in the speeder. They wouldn’t let me drive. Said I might get lost. We would have to changeout a section of rail. 6 guys with two to a set of tongs of 130 pound per yard rail. My partner Barney would say” College boy I don’t mind you riding along but quit dragging your feet. I was lifting with all my might accomplishing nothing. The short guys were the best at tamping ties, pushing dirt under tie with a short flat shovel. I was too tall to do much good. Good times when heavy rain forced us into line shack with pinochle around the coal fired pot belly stove. If called out on holidays we received double pay and if on your birthday also double pay. One time I hit it big with a sun kink repair call out on my birthday which is July 4. Big check that week. At the end of my first year I asked the foreman how I did over the summer. Nate replied. You go to college I’ll take care of the railroad. Two more summers then into Army fall of 1966. Basic Army training physical training a piece of cake. Real characters on the section gangs. One guy carried a large wad of cash and several uncashed paychecks in his thrashed work shirt pocket. Another foreman I worked for could align a switch frog on his knees. I think it was the 1/2 pint of Corbys brandy he consumed most mornings was why the on his knees alignment technique. I Tried snuff once. Sick puppy as I chewed and swallowed it. Thanks for the Memory Jogger. I’ve been smiling for days.

[@ccrx6700]

AWESOME story! It got so real while i was reading it, felt like i was there with you! Thank you for sharing with us a great railroadin story.

[@keithstudly6071]

I read a book on track work written in 1906 and the author said that his experience with Italian track workers is that they wanted to save money and go back to Italy so they tried to scrimp on food and ended up suffering for this. Work like that requires a lot of food.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

What part of the Soo were you on? I had a relation that was an engineer on the Soo out of North FonDuLac. I spent part of my summers there, hanging around the yard staying out of trouble... but in RR heaven for a train nut kid.

[@Slide164]

You just described my summer job with CN in Sask. I was called “lawyer” instead of college boy by my foreman. You described the job perfectly.

[@Slide164]

Lol, reading you description reminds of a time when one of the rookies was pounding in a spike. He was straddling the rail ( a no no). He clipped the spike it took off straight up and and hit him square in his bag! Funny as hell!

[@Ashley_van_Schooneveld]

I'm an a spike driver machine operator on a Class I railroad and we use thousands of those a day when changing ties and rail. Typically on tangent track we drive 3 spikes on a 6 hole plate standard plate and on a curved track we drive 5 spikes on a 6 hole eccentric plates.

[@ccrx6700]

Hope you wear good ear protection! Sounds like a very good spike pattern you follow. Thank you for taking the time to write in and to check out the video. May you have a very good day my friend and be safe out there.

[@chuckster6513]

Thank you for the education ! I am 72 years old and still enjoy learning. I have been interested in Railroading all my life since we studied them in grade school which is sadly not a subject in todays schools. I now live half a block south of an abandened UP line in the middle of Kansas that used to have a coal train run every 17 minutes. Now it is a 2 mile long storage line. I have a collection of spikes that I have found laying along side the track as well as in gravel that was taken from the abandened line bed. I have also found in my travels several smaller gauge spikes. I even have a new un driven spike that I found at a crossing that just didn't get used. I even worked several years for a company that refurbished passanger cars and a few kitchen cars. When I worked there I operated for a while the two trackmobiles they owned. One had a big Cummins Diesel engine, while the other had a little Willy's 4 banger and Old Ford 3/4 ton road axles. I moved the cars around in the yard to allow the truck crew to change out trucks for repair. I could go on and on about the jobs I had with that company but this is supposed to be a comment section, not my story. Be Safe and Well

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much for your story sir. It's neat to hear other railroading stories like this. I never knew that schools taught about railroads other than what we learned about the transcontinental railroad, that's cool

[@williamjones3462]

In ancient (and not so ancient) archeology they are puzzled how things were made. There were no recordings because people thought such processes were so mundane everyone knew about them. That is obviously not so. Thank you for teaching us.

[@ccrx6700]

William, you are welcome sir, thank you for watching and for the short history lesson.

[@michaelkirwan177]

I worked on a track crew as a 'gandy-dancer' for a brief period in the New York Central's Englewood Yard in Chicago, c.1964 right out of high school. There was one tool that I encountered frequently which was called a 'Car Mover' and we used them to move cars around the yard to provide rail access without requiring an engine to be summoned to move a car a relatively short distance. It was a cost/efficiency measure. Perhaps you could demonstrate one of these hand-held devices that enable a single man, or woman to move an entire car with ease. Impressive physics at work. Mike Kirwan - Kenmore, WA

[@ccrx6700]

Michael, that's impressive, NYC was a great railroad, I;m still upset over them and PRR merging yet, what a mess that was. We have one of those in our car shop if it's the same thing you are talking about, long thick wood handle with a type of hinged heel at the bottom

[@michaelkirwan177]

@@ccrx6700 Sounds like the same gadget-beast alright. First time I used it I was totally amazed at it's tremendous power for something so relatively small. I was moved to the Building & Bridge section after a couple of days where I was informed that I was now a high steel painter from then on and a few days later was swinging from a water tower at Root Street slapping heated paint on the ironwork which actually served me well when I became a firefighter when I got out of the service after Vietnam. Mike Kirwan - Kenmore, WA

[@ccrx6700]

@@michaelkirwan177 Mike, thanks for sharing. Anything higher than 2 feet off ground and me dont mix. Thank you for your service to our country sir! 👍

[@boywonder8241]

I’ve got one of them (old one) in my storage shed and they’re still for sale on line somewhere. Like a lot of heavy tools from days gone by they were often called Armstrong or Jackson bars. The mechanism is pretty interesting and there are actually replacement parts for the part that moves. Car Movers

[@ccrx6700]

@@boywonder8241 Thank you sir for adding that information. Appreciate your comment and for watching

[@autismknights8971]

I like this guy's way of "freestyling" his video with no editing.. he still gets info in and it's more like your standing there.

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you enjoyed Chris. I do appreciate the very kind words and yep none of these videos are scripted, although I'm always trying to do a better job. Thanks for watching the show today my friend.

[@railfan439]

There's a phrase you don't hear of any more, a "Gandy Dancer." In the very early days of railroad building, the labor force was mostly either Irish or Chinese. I'm talking Golden Spike era. They used a ballast shovel made by the Gandy Company because it was tremendously strong. After work, the Irish track men would jam the shovel between the rail and the tie, then climb on the handle and dance a jig for entertainment. Hence the name Gandy Dancer. Most people don't know that. Amazing what you can find in early history books. Thanks for the video. Jon

[@ccrx6700]

Jon, thank you for the history lesson! I knew there was a company way back in the early 1900's that made railroad tools called Gandy, but had not heard your explanation of where gandy dancer came from. Glad you enjoyed watching and contributing to this, thanl you

[@stephenrongo8704]

Interesting and informative, thank you.

[@keithstudly6071]

I heard the same except that they were putting the shovel under the end of the tie to pinch it up against the rail so ballast could be tamped under the tie. Maybe the 'dancer' part was just someone showing off.

[@ccrx6700]

@@keithstudly6071 Keith, thank you. We do that too, we use a claw bar or lining bar to "nip" the ties to the rail, Some have a bar with a spoon on the end that is used to nip the ties, we don't have one but it's slang term is called a "lollipop" pretty neat! Often we will put a track jack under the tie to snug it up against the rail, driving spikes is better with a jack than a bar, gets them tighter without the vibration. Appreciate your watching and writing in sir.

[@martinbyrne6643]

Digging ditches , corduroy britches, working on the railway 😊

[@krisbuildit5149]

Your knowledge is so educational and interesting. Thanks for taking the time to share sir! My grandfather worked for the South Shore Line and I wish I would have paid attention back then. I'm 45 now and sure miss his knowledge. Take care.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the very kind comment Kris. I understand about your wishing paid more attention, I too wish I had done the same with my grandfathers and also dad. Appreciate your writing in and for watching the video my friend.

[@arlynsmith9196]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share these things with us! I am fascinated!

[@ccrx6700]

Arlyn, thank you, glad you enjoyed the show

[@tubhair]

I was on the Tamping Crew for Burlington Northern in the mid 70’s. Most of the time we worked small intersections with no machines. Just good ole grunt work. Spikers were treated like royalty. I bugged the supervisor to let me try it. After 5 minutes he took the spiker from me and gave me my shovel back. 🤣 But I was in the best shape of my life. I remember once working in the middle of nowhere and my girlfriend shows up at lunch, feeds me and we “played around” a little. 🫣 Good memories. Love your channel.

[@ccrx6700]

What a great story that was Jeremy! Thanks for sharing my good man.

[@stacase]

Wisconsin Southern runs along my backyard. I usually go up and watch when Canadian National (they own the tracks) performs maintenance. Thanks for the edjamacation, it was a fun watch (-:

[@ccrx6700]

Steve, thank you, glad you enjoyed the show sir. Next time you see CN working you can go up and educate them on spikes...LOL Actually had a CN foreman write me on another video and tell me he was going to use some of my videos as training vids for his new hires, I was totally humbled by that. Appreciate your writing in

[@fearlessfruge6445]

I probably rehabbed that track for one the RR contractors the Wisconsin gov hired.

[@DSurfer2007]

Love these old-timers, they surely know how to get the job done! Tks for this valuable insight!

[@ccrx6700]

Appreciate the kind words DSurfer. Thank you very much for taking the time to tune in and check out the video and may you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@manicmechanic448]

I never thought there would be so much to a railroad spike.

[@ccrx6700]

totally amazing, and I only touched on a small part, really thank you for watching this, hope you will check out more of my railroad videos, thank you for watching

[@bethanyopp1481]

Thank you so much for this candid video! We spound a railroad spike today and my son and I loved learning from you! This was fantastic!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Bethany, so very glad you guys enjoyed watching. We really appreciate your visiting with us my friend.

[@jjxtwo1]

That was extremely interesting and very informative. I learned a lot. You sound like a great person to work with.

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

Jeff, thank you, glad you liked it. Not sure bout great person to work with...maybe you better ask my co workers that , they may tell ya differently...LOL

[@jjxtwo1]

@@ccrx-xu1wc Well, I haven't seen any of them throw rocks at you during your videos yet so that's a good sign. Lol

[@f1acha]

101 Things I never knew I wanted to know about railroads ! Loving your videos and personality.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much f1acha for the nice comment. So glad to hear you are having a good time with us. We do appreciate your taking the time to check out thespike video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@coloradostrong]

The Sure Spike hole filling powder is activated by the intense heat from the driven spike. The heat is the catalyst.

[@ccrx6700]

You are right there sir, thank you for adding that in! Appreciate your watching and hope you will get a chance to check out more of my videos.

[@warrenfromga9945]

You are a world of information about the railroad and I find it most interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@ccrx6700]

You are certainly welcome Warren and thank you for the kind words. Appreciate very much your taking the time to check out the video. Keep on railroading my friend!

[@TheMan1510]

I love videos like this that explain the 'why' something is done the way it is! Thank you :-)

[@ccrx6700]

Happy you enjoyed, thanks for watching 😊

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Fascinating stuff! You are preserving history through your knowledge and experience. SALUTE!

[@ccrx6700]

Appreciate the very kind words Devil in The Circuit. Thank you for watching and may you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Outstanding demonstration! Thanks!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you sir, appreciate your nice comment and glad you enjoyed watching. Hope you can sometime view more of my videos if you get the chance.

[@terrymarshall8874]

That was a great seminar about RR spikes. You are an excellent instructor. TY4 posting.

[@ccrx6700]

Why thank you Terry, very nice comment and glad to hear you enjoyed sir

[@MsCriticalthinker201]

Spikes are always driven so that the chisel point cuts the grain of the tie. Driving them in with the chisel parallel to the grain will split the tie. Also a properly driven spike ends up about 1/8" above the rail, it does not actually 'pinch' the rail tight to the tie plate. That is not desirable. The rail needs to be able 'run' or slide through the plates as it expands and contracts. To anchor the rail and control this sliding we use rail anchors, those are the roughly 'C' shaped things that are driven onto the base of the rails and bear against the edge of the ties.

[@kevinstonerock3158]

Since I’m also one that was under the mistaken notion that the spikes hold the rails down your explanation and illustration shows how they can’t hold the rails down. Going straight down gives maximum hold for keeping the rails inline. If they were made to hold the rails down then the spikes would be installed at a near 45° degree angle to keep them from pulling upward. It had never made sense to me that when I watched a train pass as a boy it was usually the rail and tie moving up and down in unison. I would have thought the rail would move separate from the tie. Your explanation turned the lights on for me. Thanks.

[@ccrx6700]

Well glad you learned something Kevin. That was what I was referring to when I said I drove nails at an angle. Hope you will watch more of my videos so you can keep that light turned on.....LOL Appreciate the nice comment and for watching my friend.

[@Robo-dr8tk]

I've been railroading 33 years, never heard about the DD 🐕 !! Lol I'm going to ask my guys about it today 😂 great video !👍

[@ccrx6700]

Robo. Cool! Thanks for watching and for your years of service. Railroadin!!!!

[@colinjameslichtwark513]

Thank you for a very informative presentation. It was something so important to society that we don't normally think about.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the nice comment Colin, glad to hear you enjoyed. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in my friend.

[@rakasome]

This was GREAT, Dave. I love the minutiae of things like this. Crazy good my friend. Again, your knowledge shines through.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Ray for nice comment, appreciate your saying that.

[@assabetmetalfabrication6143]

Excellent presentation all the best to you I am a welding fabrication teacher and have graduates that are welders on the RR Boston Massachusetts lines they love their jobs I am planning on sharing this video to them Thanks for this sir All the best to you

[@ccrx6700]

Wow, that's humbling to me. Thank you for the very nice comment sir. I do appreciate that and for your watching, I'm glad you found it of value

[@sonickking819]

Love the class. Keep them coming. I wanna be a trainman.

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

Thank you, glad you are enjoying the show

[@deathvalleyalex9485]

Thank you for sharing a small sliver of your world as you so elegantly put it .

[@theoldman8877]

Several years ago a track crew was replacing a short section ( 5 yards long) of main line rail. I walked up to the white hat and said , if I pick up carry away that peace of cracked main line rail can I keep it? His replay, yes you can ! One of the youngest gang members said you can't let him take that rail . The crew boss said whil laughing if he can pick it up and carry it away I am not going to try to stop him ! You can if you like. At that point everyone was laughing , except the kid.

[@ccrx6700]

Awesome story Thomas, thank you for sharing that with us

[@robc4191]

I'm guessing it was too heavy for you? What happened? I had a similar experience workin at a machine shop. We had some I beams and H beams rustin in the back yard past the parkin lot. I wanted to make a big wood lathe, so i asked the boss if i hould take one of the pieces of H beam. He said i can have it if i can put it in my truck. I never did make that lathe.

[@capttom7772]

I worked at a COTTON WAREHOUSE and we had some shady looking guy outside wandering around looking at cotton bales that weigh about 500 lbs. each. I reported him to the boss asking what he wanted to do about it. His reply; "If he can pick that bale up and carry it out of the yard.... Let him have it!" LOL

[@joek511]

If you can pick up 5 feet, never mind 5 yards. A single yard, 3 feet, averages 130 lbs,

[@tcmtech7515]

I used to pick up old pallets for firewood and often picked them up from the local Vocational Workshop where the handicapped people worked doing recycling work. for whatever reason, they would get loads of oversized extremely heavy-built oak pallets that were something like 54" x 48" or 54" x 60" that weighed around 100 - 120+ pounds each. One of the guys who worked there was the living embodiment of 'Re tar d Strong" He was about 5' 6" at best but built like a tree stump and would bring me out 4 of them at a time two in each hand like he was carrying a couple bags of bread! The site manager would get after him every time that he was going to hurt himself and every time he just gave a crooked grin and said, Nah, I'm goot, Dey ain't dat heaby." 🤯 I'm pretty sure that guy would have walked off with that rail without even breaking a sweat! 😁

[@cellerfeller1474]

Great video - really enjoyed the way you present the information. We have tracks in Nova Scotia going back to the mid 1800's but most are being pulled up and turned into rails to trails paths. As a retirement hobby I have been metal detecting along some of the sidings so your videos will help me identify some of the things I find. Got a nice padlock this week, lots of wrought iron spikes as well as newer steel ones, tie plates, anchors and some big heavy stuff that I cannot identify. Looking forward to getting out again to try to find and preserve some of this history before it is lost to the trail.

[@ccrx6700]

Appreciate the nice comment cellerfeller, glad you enjoyed. Some of the old RR tracks here have been turned into hiking/biking trails too. Best of luck with your searching. Thank you very much for taking the time to visit with us and check out the spike video. May you have a very good day my friend.

[@cellerfeller1474]

@@ccrx6700 Thanks - the next trip out we dug an 1870 railroad wood stove door as well as a 2 bolt heavy cast iron rail chair and a 6" piece of cut rail to fit in it! I am trying to figure out how long these rail chairs were used in Canada. This was the earliest CPR line.

[@ccrx6700]

@@cellerfeller1474 👍😊

[@victorcercasin]

Wife left me. She says I didn't know shit about railroad spikes, and she needs a "real man". Who's the real man now, Karen?

[@Bugdriver49]

Now, you know you guys with a Karen jus gotta start keeping them indoors on a short chain.....only have to look at KZbin vids to see what happens when they git loose.!!!

[@ccrx6700]

Dear sir, I do love your sense of humor, you really made me smile with that one! Not very often I get thrown for a loop, but you did it there! I usually delete comments with 4 letter words but yours made me grin so much I just can't delete this one. Thank you for making my day

[@victorcercasin]

@@ccrx6700 Sure thing brother! Karen should see this. She'd regreat leaving me for that traitor I once called father.

[@jasonbabila6006]

We still get our spikes in the regular large keg and sometimes in bulk by gondola, if you need some lags for them plates, you can order those either with a square or rectangle head but you'll need to drill a pilot hole and use a hydraulic impact wrench. We don't hit the back of the claw bar to get it beneath the head, we use a spike lifter.

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

Jason, wow I did not know that you could still buy them in the large kegs, that's the way we used to get them, thanks. Many other folks have written in about not hitting the back of a claw bar also. We never got a lifter, am gonna have see if I can get one. I do wonder maybe you can tell me is why the back of the claw bar heel is shaped so it can be hit? I do keep mine dressed to avoid slivers flying off. Appreciate your comment sir and thanks for watching

[@jasonbabila6006]

We order 6 pallets of 9 kegs each and each section truck normally has one keg on each truck but I normally carry two kegs on the section truck I used to drive, As for the heel on the clawbar, I was told by the old heads that it's mainly for leverage, the roadmaster doesn't like it when we hit the heel with a sledgehammer, that's why we have the spike lifter that we hit with a sledgehammer.

[@jasonbabila6006]

Need two guys when using the spike lifter with a sledgehammer, we use it when the hydraulic spike puller can't get a grip beneath the spike head.

[@bigbaby8]

In Ny we call the spike puller an old man. Nobody knows how that came to be 🤣

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

Thank you for sharing that, really appreciate your input and additional information! I don't know everything, so I do like when other railroaders add in their insights and helpful knowledge, that kind of stuff really helps the enhance the entire viewing for everybody.

[@marshallgarcia8394]

Yo, bigbaby8, sounds like we worked for same company. I retired from Capital Days in the Bronx in 2019, NYCTA!

[@bigbaby8]

@@marshallgarcia8394 sure did! When you tried I was in ert

[@paralyzes]

That was interesting, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge of the RR trade.

[@earldowney8211]

U didnt tell about that notch in th claw bar , dont hold th bar rit there ,? why ? U will get ur finger , mashed ,, That dog thing is a GRANNY puller Where is ur spike lifter,,?

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

Earl, sorry I was not very clear on that, sometimes my mind gets to running away with me, I meant that the bar should be held about 3/4 of the way up the handle and that you should never stand behind the bar, i.e., pull the bar into you, but should stand on side of the bar.

[@earldowney8211]

@@ccrx-xu1wc Did u ever use th rail turner.? to flip th rail up right .?

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

@@earldowney8211 Earl, yes I have, one these days gonna make a video on more of the hand rail tools I got, so much stuff to cover and so little time... lol Usually when I turn a rail I will use a lining bar simply cause it got more leverage, but can only use the one end thru a bolt hole, so a rail turner does come in handy. Wonder how many folks ever heard of a rail turner? Great introduction to one, thanks Earl!

[@earldowney8211]

@@ccrx-xu1wc I like ur videos .. good

[@larryjohnson1249]

I am so happy to find this corner of the Internet. Thanks!!!

[@ccrx6700]

That's very good to hear Larry. We are pleased to have you visit with us. Hope you will sometime check out more of our Railroad videos at: kzbin.info

[@curtislowe4577]

Herein is part of the problem of modern society: There are hundreds of specialized industries that require specialized knowledge that most people have absolutely no clue about. The "ancient" industries like railroads, electricity generation and distribution, potable water and sewage disposal that underpins our high standard of living doesn't run itself and requires a certain level of maintenance. But too many of today's young people want a business degree so that they can be a drone in an air conditioned building and never get their hands dirty.

[@adamabele785]

This is not rocket science. However the high speed railroads of today are sophisticated high precision equipment, that have all kinds of electronics for signaling and speed control and lots of engineering in it. A track like that almost never gets hit with a hammer.

[@toma5153]

Learned a lot and I enjoyed the coverage about the specialty tools.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much Tom for taking the time to visit with us and write in, glad you enjoyed. We really appreciate your watching the video my friend.

[@paulmanson253]

Oh,no. My subscription list is already unwieldy. Oh,well...

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

That's okay Paul, but hopefully you will really enjoy this one ....LOL

[@johnd2042]

Glad I found your channel. Your very passionate an your videos are educational an relaxing to watch. Thankyou.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you John, glad you are enjoying the show, stay tuned

[@tomhercun60]

I’ve got the big nail puller We affectionately call it the camel toe

[@tom7601]

The new Vice President?

[@bfpierce]

@@tom7601 ok, you got me, blaaahaahaa!

[@jordanhicks5131]

@@tom7601 damnnnn, good one

[@thomaskrusick7253]

Really appreciate your videos,I’ve always been fascinated with railroad tracks

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for the very nice comment Thomas, glad you enjoyed. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and watch my friend.

[@marvinmartion1178]

I'm really amazed that the rest of the world is using concrete ties and we're still in the 1800's with rail technology. Sad.

[@hifijohn]

Its simple cost,youre not replacing one tie youre replacing millions of them and that adds up. the other argument I have heard is that American trains are much longer and heavier than other countys trains and wooden ties can absorb the load better. wood has give and concrete is very brittle.

[@adamabele785]

Elsewhere there is one big screw and a clamp that holds the rail in place. You can remove the plate and the screw and use the same hole again and again. Once in a while, depending on how much the rail is used and how stable the underground is, the screw gets tightened up again by a worker. And you can see it from afar which screw needs to be tightened. The time a wooden tie lasts depends on the climate. If there is lots of humidity it won´t last much longer than 30 years. The amounts of chemicals used are a problem and the wood is contaminated and toxic waste when it needs replacement. Steel ties last very long and concrete ties can last many decades, 50 years or more. In other areas of the world, there also is a thin sheet of hard rubber or plastic between the plate and the rail that acts as a dampener to absorb shocks and make the track less noisy. The ties also have a cutout and holes for the screws prefabricated at the right place, so the plate always is exactly at the right place with very little tolerance. So it is hard to mess it up.

[@srfurley]

@@hifijohn I’m from the UK. We mainly use concrete sleepers (ties), but wooden ones are still sometimes used on new installations. Some years ago steel ones were being quite widely used, but less so now. All types normally use various types of Pandrol clips, though many other types of rail fastenings can still be found in older installations. Traditionally in this country we used Bullhead rail in this country, but for many years now this has been gradually replaced by flat bottom rail, typically of 113 Lb/yd, but I think the latest rail types are metric,, and may be heavier in some cases. Bullhead rail was usually 95 Lb/yd. About 10-15 years ago I was in New Jersey several times, and rode from Newark to Trenton. The track was on concrete ties which looked just about identical to the ones we use here, but thousands of them were breaking up, I’ve never seen anything like that here. There were piles of ones which had been spot replaced laying alongside many kilometres of track, and they had started a programme to replace all of them.

[@trainzguy2472]

@@hifijohn Yup. Concrete is stiffer and stronger than wood but will catastrophically fail if bent, while wood has flexibility. Most new higher speed (70+ mph freight, 80+ mph passenger) trackage in the US is being built with concrete ties because the stiffness matters at those speeds (BNSF southern transcon, for example). While Europe and Asia have been using concrete ties for decades, they have only recently become cost-effective to use on the US's expansive network.

[@royberry6673]

How cool , I for a short time worked at the spike mill at Inland Steel . I pushed the square rod into and out of the furnace . Thank you for the info on railroad spikes . Roy Boy

[@ccrx6700]

Roy, how Awesome! I have no clue how spikes are made, would be very interested if you could share with us any info on how they are made, that would really be fascinating to me and I'm sure a lot of other folks watching and reading this.

[@jamesbrewer2865]

Worked on a R.R. spike making mechine in 1980. Was a challenge keep it working. Some of the tools we had were bigger than me. Good Vid.

[@genel5103]

I'm a spike and railroad tool collector. I'm from panama city fl, and the Bayliner railroad has pulled some tracks up because they no longer use the tracks. I enjoy walking these lines because it's like a treasure hunt for me. The date the plates are made, is stamped on the plates, and BLRR, is stamped on the spike head.

[@genel5103]

Oops, meant to type Bayline not bayliner

[@ccrx6700]

That's awesome Gene, must get you pretty excited to walk track and find all that cool stuff. Nice. Thanks for dropping by today and taking in the video my friend.

[@tpobrienjr]

Thanks for the explanation of spikes and their patterns.

[@ccrx6700]

Your very welcome Thomas, so glad you enjoyed. We really appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and write in my friend.

[@earlyburg]

Most educational 15 minutes of my life. Thanks for posting. Cool world.

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

Ray, thank you, glad you enjoyed sir

[@joewalker9325]

I worked on the Railroad and never knew any of this! Most interesting and very informative! I have subscribed to your site.

[@ccrx6700]

Joe, thank you, lot of aspects to railroading as you are well aware of. Got several who watch that are train men, car maintenance, work in yards, etc. These guys like the vids cause they dont do track maintenance and now they understand some of the stuff that goes on with MOW. Thanks for watching

[@tedbownas2748]

I work on the Hudson Line in upstate New York. I've found lots of tie plates stamped in the early 1900s, still spiked down and holding rail on sidings and yard tracks today.

[@ccrx6700]

Ted, awesome, that old OTM is pretty cool stuff, love it

[@sanjursan]

I worked on Erie Lakawanna special gang 88 out of Garettsville, Ohio the summer of 1969 doing tie replacement. I was a gandy dancer. They used power equipment mostly. A scarifier, a cherry picker, a Nordberg spiker, but the spiker could not spike at the rail joints, so I spiked them manually. Tip of the cap to Joe Mcnair, the boss, and the crew, including Freddie Sanders also known as Brad Runion. Hard work in the hot summer sun, but fun too. I held the section record for driving a standard spike into an oak tie in four licks. We gang spiked sometimes when a train was expected and the machines had to clear the rails, but I was faster alone. On a good day we replaced 100 ties. Gas was 25 cents per gallon, cigarettes were 25 cents a pack, and I got paid $2.50/hour.

[@trope584]

I was a gandy dancer back then. Great Northern in North Dakota. I also worked on section crew.

[@geraldmahle9833]

ccrx6700, forgive me for an off-subject post. I remember those days. $2.50/hour was above average then. My helper in the plant was making $1.85/hour, his wife didn't work, and they were okay. Try that today. In '73 gas went to .39/gal., .52/gal. in the small towns. I swore i would never pay that for gas....Cigarettes were $1.50/carton, 2.50 at the Rippy Mart. They've ruined this country. Now young couples making a combined $1,200/week are scared to death. Back to cheerful things.....

[@shirleyharrington-moore9657]

Thank you for sharing this parr of your world. I will need to review a couple of times to remember it. You do such a great job, Dave!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much Shirley for the nice comment. So glad you enjoyed. We really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

[@scruffy4647]

A guy I went to high school with took on a summer job with the railroad. He was just average build. When we started school again, he looked like Hulk Hogan. He also gained a lot of character building. Keep up the good work.

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks for the story! We do appreciate your watching the video

[@paulawalach1770]

Hello ! Thank you very much for the lesson on railroad spikes. For the last 12 years i,ve been learning about the railroad as an employee of Boston Mass MBTA/KEOLIS COMMUTER RAIL SERVICES. however i,ve been a rail buff since I was age 5. Rail buff not so much on steam trains or even diesel motivated power, but very , very much I,M obscessed with electrification such as the old Pennsylvania railroad GG-1 ElectricS that rans off of 11,000volt catenary territory at 25 hz . Yes I remember my mom taking us kids back in the early 1950,s on the eastern main line of the Boston & Maine with passenger cars being pulled by steam locomotives. Yes , i,m a working senior citizen at age 75 working as a B&B ELECTRICIAN. I,M CURRENTLY ASSIGNED TO TAKING CARE OF THE DRAW BRIDGES ALONG THE ROUTE THAT I ONCE RODE ON AS A CHILD. I,ve been a Mass licensed electrician since 1972. Before beginning my career with the railroad at 63 years old, I was an industrial electrician that was involved with automation machine building for almost 20 years. Some of my other assignments on the railroad where servicing switch heaters, derailleurs, under rail lighting in buildings, sand hopper systems etc. Yet I had to take NORAC and RWP TRAINING. NORAC was challenging for me because sitting in the class I felt like an old dog being taught new tricks. It was an entirely different working culture. Knowing how to protect track was paramount because not only it was my personal safety but also an FRA INSPECTOR coming out of the bushes, and challenging my documents and the form of track protection I was using. Hence, i,m still learning. Most importantly, before I start any work, I do a safety briefing. Last Monday's rule of the day was #S-6.8.15 PANPULLER TOOL. Even though it is not what I use, or for that matter would never use, I still have to at least read the rule because in case of an emergency, I may have to use it. Or work near someone using such a tool. Yes, i,ve scene the you tube video of the origin on why the rule of the day was incorporated in railroad operations. It originated from the old Pennsylvania railroad safety films.All I can say is that a railroad working environment can be unforgiving. That 4 foot foul rule and the track speed of the territory i may be working in means a lot to me, plus the foreman in charge, if I enter that person,s work territory. Even though I don,t come under BLUE FLAG PROTECTION, I still have to set up my Orange tags and RWP SIGNS AND PROTECTIONS. Anyway, I would like to see more explanations of track infrastructure when it comes to dedicated electrified high speed rail lines of China in which their trains on one line EXCEEDS 200 MPH. California is currently building such a system. France back in 2007 ran a test train of the TGV AT 357MPH. Those tracks have to be perfect with deeper ballast and foundations. Yet I appreciate it very much what you presented to me about railroad spikes and related work. I love to keep learning about ALL ASPECTS OF RAILROADING. THANKYOU!! Miss Paula Walach

[@ccrx6700]

Appreciate the very nice comment Paula, that is so cool you are still working, I'm 69 and still on the RR too. Quite a tribute to who you are and your mindset. You go girl and don't stop. You're an inspiration to this younger generation. I can't help you on the electrification, we don't have it here on my RR. Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and write in my friend.

[@paulromsky9527]

I rode the Cog Railway up/down Mt. Washington in New Hampshire USA a few years ago. The conductor in the passenger car got down on the floor looking out ahead (the Engine is always on the low side of the train on a cog driven line) to watch the rails/ties for areas that needed maintenance. I got down to help. He said only children are inquisitive enough to lay down on the floor and ask questions - he said it was a refreshing change to explain things at a more adult level. I learned a lot.

[@ccrx6700]

Awesome Paul, someday I hope to ride that also. Way back when I was a boy on vacation with parents we drove up to the top there, I was impressed and will never forget the huge chains over the roof of that one building to hold it down. Appreciate your writing in and for watching my friend.

[@paulromsky9527]

@@ccrx6700 We took the very last trip on the Mt. Washington Cog Railway that used the coal fired steam engine. They only use the desiel engines now. Check it out when you can it is fun!

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

I enjoyed learning of these items. All trades have special equipment and tools in order to get the job done right and safe that most people do not know why or how they get used. Thank you for giving us a look into your world. Life is all about learning.

[@ccrx6700]

Christina, thank you. Great comment there, you are right, it is all about learning, We are all so blessed

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

@@ccrx6700 👍

[@donnalannan2978]

Fascinating information. I really enjoyed the video. So much to know about railroading. Thanks for making the videos.

[@ccrx6700]

Your very welcome Donna. Glad you had a good time. Thank you so much for watching and writing in my friend and hope you will sometime check out more of my videos.

[@chuckdrake5285]

Informative, presented in a pleasant tone and it is obvious that you are a serious rail person. Great job !

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Chuck for the nice comment and for watching sir, glad you liked the home movie, hope you'll be able to sometime watch more of mine kzbin.info/door/TWNOX8VRkBtevxsPpC3cBA

[@jimpowell1802]

Thanks for the video. Being an ex-gandy dancer I always loved the sound of that clawbar hitting the ballast. Nipping isn't hard work but carrying the thing around can wear you out. Always hated to have a hard spike to pull out then moving to the next one with the same force and it is so easy it can put you on your knees. An uncle of mine was killed on a tie gang when the track jack he was using slipped and the clawbar he was using in the jack hit him in the head. Always take the bars out of the jacks.

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks so much Jim for dropping by and checking out the spike show. You are so right about taking that bar out of the jack!!! I hear you full well on the hard spike easy spike thing. May you have a most blessed day my friend

[@IHVA-ir9gp]

super job. I found this really interesting. This kind of knowledge is fading from our heritage. I worked for US Steel in the valley in the 80s and always found the most talented and intelligent folks working the trades. Really appreciate the lessons. Keep up the good work.

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

Thank you very much for the nice comment, glad you enjoyed watching

[@MrNobody2828]

Thank you sir for such a great video. I always like knowing about railroads and all the associated parts and pieces and how they are used.

[@ccrx6700]

We certainly want to thank you Scott for taking the time to visit with us and writing in with the nice comment. Glad you enjoyed the show my friend.

[@heyimamaker]

In Canada we have a location in British Columbai called the last spike. The ceremony marked the completion of the transcontinental CPR I always loved finding them.

[@ccrx6700]

Nice to hear that. We watched an awesome video at the OmniMax theater on them building the Canadian Transcontinental. My what a lot of challenges they had building that track. Thanks for taking in the video today Hey I'm a Maker.

[@lisajohnson8566]

LOVED THE VIDEO!! Thanks so much for taking your time to share your experience with us. It was fun hearing your stories and sharing your excitement for the knowledge you know. Many years ago I was a switchman for the long past WP and the road way was always fascinating to me but I didn't know anything about it. I always thought it would be a cool job to be a "gandy dancer" too. My father was in the railroad business as a machinest back at the turn from steam to diesel so it's in my blood too. Thanks again for taking your time to share your knowledge.

[@keithstudly6071]

A 'cool job' but only in the winter!

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome, glad you enjoyed watching and thank you for the nice comment, I appreciate it

[@jbbatulis3513]

Appreciate the video and info...Dad was an Railway Postal Clerk on the PRR from 1959 thru 67... My grandpa had an apartment above a club in Lilly PA alongside PRR/Penn Central/ Conrail and now NS main.

[@ccrx6700]

JB, awesome, sure your dad could tell some great stories, golly i'd love sit an listen to him, i love PRR history. Biggest boner in history PRR & NYC merger, but that only my 2 cents, thanks for great comment, i enjoyed reading it

[@lifeintornadoalley]

Our cops are always eyeing our tracks. I do get a lot of spikes in my yard, and been caught picking them off my property. Still got a ticket for theft of federal property. Case was thrown out, even pissed the farm rail company off so much, they now switch and bump cars in my yard, blocking the road for hours so cops can't harass the rail foamers. God bless our crew here!!! Love seeing them get out and have a bite with fans

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks for watching and writing in and sharing your story with us Life in Tornado alley.

[@lifeintornadoalley]

@@ccrx6700 Thank you for your hard work! We respect Rail road employees down here.

[@royreynolds108]

Cut spikes hold the most if a hole is drilled in the tie; 1/2 inch for a 5/8 spike, 3/8 for a 1/2 spike. Many railroads have 4 holes drilled for each side before they are treated and spaced for the size rail that is used for the track. The base of the rail for 130, 131, 132, 133, and 136RE rail sections is 6 inches. The difference in rail weight is in the head size of these patterns. Screw spikes are mostly used outside of the US and Canada and for track that is held together with what are called "chairs". In the UK and Europe, screw spikes are known as coach screws and have a square drive-head. Cut spike pattern for tangent track is the field or outside of the rail is close to one side of the tie and the same side of the tie while the gauge spikes are placed close to the other side of the tie on the inside or gauge side of the rails so there is an angle through the spikes that meet between the rails. This pattern helps keep the ties from twisting under the rails and narrowing the gauge of the track. The spike maul you have is called a "bell pattern". I normally spike over the rail also but really, you are not supposed to drive spikes over the rail, for safety. The small end of the maul head is for driving spikes in the confines of the frog, guard rails, and other close rails in turnouts and other close quarters. The spike puller or roadmaster is also used to safely pull the outside spikes on bridges so you are standing between the rails when pulling the spikes. Spikes are available from 3/8 X 2 to 5/8 X 6 1/2 with special lengths for frost-heaved track(until the track thaws).

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much for sharing all that info with us Roy. Interesting about the spikes holding better if the holes are pre drilled. We've never done that. They sure would drive a lot better tho! A good many railroads out there don't want you spiking over the rail. Does seem like there are a lot more broken handles doing it that way so maybe that has something to do with it. Really appreciate your taking the time to check out the video my friend and may you have a very good day.

[@sc1784]

Great stuff about the what makes a railroad work. Thanks for passing on your vast knowledge. Cumberland Mine Railroad is going to be lost when you decide to retire. It is very obvious you are passionate about the critical role you play in keeping things running smoothly, and that you love your work. Wish we could all be so lucky.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much for the nice comment, I do appreciate that and for watching. And as 1 old supervisor once said, when 1 monkey dies in the circus, they just get another monkey to replace him....LOL

[@valeriebassett3107]

Great video. Love the history and information that you always share. Amazing!

[@ccrx6700]

You are so sweet, always with the kindest comments.

[@formerfarmer1718]

It’s been years, but way back, I’m talking the ‘50s, the railroad ran thru our farm. I seem to recall that the new ties all had pilot holes drilled in them for the spikes.

[@ccrx6700]

They drill sometimes for lags, never knew they drilled for spikes. In composite ties they have to drill for spikes. Thanks for watching

[@dorothycole8611]

Who would have thought there would be so much to know about a spike! Very informative!

[@ccrx-xu1wc]

Just amazing how much there is to find out about railroad history and what all is involved in track work that most folks aren't aware of. Fun making these vids to show this kinda stuff the average rail fan never gets to see

[@Kulis747]

Outstanding! I've been using spikes for metal art for awhile now. I really enjoyed it, thank you!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed watching the show. You guys can make some pretty neat stuff out of them. There used be a guy round here would stop and get several buckets used spikes for same thing you doing

[@Kulis747]

@@ccrx6700 I've been buying them new lately off Ebay. I'm enjoying all of your videos. I spent a career as a flight engineer and grew up in my Dad's mechanic garage, so I love stuff mechanical. I used to spend a lot of time walking the three miles to our little town walking the tracks that went across the back of our property and it was a main path to my rabbit hunting grounds. Your videos have answered a lot of questions I spent the last 40 years wondering about. I really appreciate you wonderfully curing this lack of answers I had. What do the spring clip looking things under the rail do?

[@ccrx6700]

@@Kulis747 you are certainly welcome, im really glad you are enjoying and do appreciate your watching. Funny you should mention those clips... gonna have a new video out maybe tonight All About Rail Anchors! So stay tuned

[@paulromsky9527]

I love your videos. It always seems so peaceful and quiet when working on the rails. You should find someone to tag along with you to video you so you can demonstrate and teach us more. I am semi-retired now. I could go along with you once a month to film and learn. I am sure "tag alongs" would need to sign a waver but having an extra set of hands to film (even help you work) would make your videos even more entertaining.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Paul and really glad you are enjoying the vidoes, we do appreciate your tuning in to the channel and watching my friend. And got me a tripod and a magnet so can now be hands free since this video was made a good time ago.

[@paulromsky9527]

@@ccrx6700 Great, I subscribed so I will know when you post more videos.

[@robderham1958]

Wow, really great info. I found an old spiking maul without a handle years ago near some old abandoned sidings in San Jose, CA that were being torn up for condos. I enjoyed your talk. Now I just need to find some spikes, tie plates, ties and some rails:)

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Rob, glad you enjoyed the show 😊

[@paulsylvester1394]

You should explain how the chisel tip on the spike breaks the wood fibers and bends them down so they act like springs against the shaft to keep the spike in. And by the chisel tip going across the grain, it does not split the tie. Overall a nice, easy to watch video. Keep it up!

[@ccrx6700]

Was nice of you Paul to write in with the suggestion for a future video, I will do that next tie or spike video I make. Glad you could take the time to pay us a visit and check out the video my friend.

[@MiG21aholic]

It's such a foreign concept to me to drive a spike in without drilling a hole first. Must be pretty soft wood you use. Here in New Zealand spikes are long out of use but our little railway still uses them. Was driving a heap in yesterday

[@digconway1121]

Wow. We found many spikes ( and other heavy metal pieces) in the backyard goofing around with metal detectors during the COVID summer of 2020. We had no idea there were old railroad lines around here. Now we can identify some of the other metal pieces. Thanks.

[@ccrx6700]

That would be a cool find, old railroad stuff like that

[@Fleetwoodjohn]

The most random videos become the most interesting. Thanks for the video!

[@ccrx6700]

John thank you glad you enjoyed the show sir

[@ralphfogle1662]

I worked on tie gangs for Penn Central and Conrail for many years and operated 2 types of spiking machines. The first was an RMC Spikemaster witch was an pneumatic spiker with 4 air hammers. It required holes bored into the ties with a machine called a tie borer as the spiker didn't have the power to drive them without it. This was in the early seventies, it also required 2 men with 8 pound sledgehammers with the handles sawn off with about 1 foot left to set the spikes. Talk about a backbreaking job. Then the spiking machine would drive the spikes in. A few years later we had a hydraulic spiking machine called a Nordberg HydraSpiker operated by 2 men that eliminated the need for the tie borers and the spike setters. It was much faster and did a much better job.

[@ccrx6700]

Ralph, Awesome comment! Not too many guys left worked for PC. I remember hearing about the hydra spiker, but never saw one. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

I could smell that location; I have spent a bunch of time at the tracks. I use tie plates on my CNC plasma table as hold downs: low and heavy, holds stock down nicely. Really interesting about ties; I knew a few things, but thank you for sharing your experience. Look forward to tie plate info.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed watching. Tie plates make some pretty good hold downs! Hope you will sometime watch a few more of my videos if you get the chance. Appreciate that

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

@@ccrx6700 I have and they are very interesting.