Track Inspection Gauge, Level Boards and Rail Bright Bands

The silver aluminum gauge in the video is called a Level Board. My Geismar Track Inspection Gauge is a combination level board and gauger.
The Bright Band is also called the running surface or the rail tread. It is the longitudinal band where the rolling stock wheels make contact with the rail head.
When I make my weekly track inspections watching where on the surface of the rail head the bright band runs is one of the things I watch for.
Too much bright band on one rail or the other indicates an unbalanced condition in normal track cross level.
As an example, a bright band that has too much surface area on the low rail and not a fairly equal amount on the high rail indicates too much super elevation in that curve or section of track.

[@ScoutCrafter]

KZbin has shown me just how much I don't know about the world I live in.... Great video!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you, pleased that you liked watching 😊

[@TheAmerican1963]

You are so right !!!!! So many great things......so little time......sometimes I feel overwhelmed !!!!!!! :-)

[@davidbass7593]

Hello Dave another great video track inspections are an absolute must for safety seems the more I watch the more there is to learn thanks for sharing my friend

[@ccrx6700]

Seems like I'm always learning new things too here David. that's a good thing. I'm certainly not a know it all. Thanks so much for the nice comment and for watching my friend.

[@espeescotty]

I can't add anything that hasn't already been said in the comments, so I'll just repeat a couple. Really informative as usual and fascinating. You are a living breathing railroading encyclopedia, Dave. Thanks buddy. 🛤️👍

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome, glad you are enjoying. I don't know everything and there are a lot of raikroaders out there who know just as much and more and who woukd love to do videos also, but as you know most RR won't allow them. We are lucky mine does

[@espeescotty]

Right, but I think we are the lucky ones too.

[@KB-gs8zi]

Sir Dave !!! Thanks for the info & explanations !!!! Have a great week & ""KEEP IT SAFE ""!!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you K B appreciate your watching 😊

[@davidflanagan1653]

I really enjoy your channel I keep learning new things about railroads and trains and I like it.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you David, nice to hear that, glad you are liking what you see 😊

[@stretchlimo7275]

@david Flanagan this channel is a hidden gem I found on KZbin, ccrx 6700 is a wealth of knowledge on everything about the rails👍🏼🚂🇺🇸

[@ccrx6700]

@@stretchlimo7275 well golly gee, you make me blush... and i'm Dave, guess I should make that better known, but do thank you for your very nice comments, much appreciated

[@stevestar657]

Years ago I worked at a mill that had daily rail service - seemed quite frequently there was a rail contractor checking the rail gauge throughout the property. His focus was always on a hard turn leading into the mill, if you happened to be there while loaded cars were being interchanged the noise from the wheels would make your ears burn. Thanks for the insight on what you're looking for above just the gauge spacing.

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Steve, really glad you enjoyed watching and thanks for the comment. That inspector's work paid for itself many times over in preventing a derailment, good job on his part!

[@supercuda1950]

I may never use this info but it's just something I love to learn about. Besides, if I keep learning more and more everyday, someday I will be a know-it-all!

[@ccrx6700]

I learn new things about RR all the time myself, it's pretty cool. Appreciate your watching Rupert and for writing in

[@dock_yard1149]

Another great video. Keep ‘em coming when you can!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you sir, got a lot more good ones coming up for you, just had a major derailment so there gonna be many vids on that one, you will enjoy those. Appreciate your watching 😊

[@dock_yard1149]

@@ccrx6700 Wow sorry to hear! But you love railroading, so I’m sure all will be happily made whole again! Hope no crew hurt.

[@ccrx6700]

@@dock_yard1149 nobody hurt, rear unmanned loco and 2 cars off, only thing was hurt was company's pocketbook 💰

[@jjxtwo1]

That was sure interesting. It never ceases to amaze me how much great information you manage to get into one video. I really appreciate seeing the tools. What a great design. No wonder it's top of the line. I would probably trip over the old gauge and land on the expensive one! 🙄 Dave I really enjoyed this one as always, Thanks

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Jeff, yep me too, was thinking when I made it, don't trip on it and smash the good one 😄 appreciate your watching

[@stlfomoco]

Thanks Dave. I learn something new with each of your videos. You really have a knack for doing these and you would make an excellent instructor. You make them, we'll continue to watch!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Mark, really glad you are enjoying these episodes 😊

[@michaelmorgan7893]

In Tehachapi, it seems like they're always and forever changing rails, usually the "high" or outer rails first, as they get mushroomed out of shape after a while, or worn from all the sand having to be used for traction. Especially around the loop. Those trains do well to be able to maintain 25 mph on the hill. Too fast and it will run off the cliff, too slow and it will clothesline.

[@ccrx6700]

Very interesting info Michael. I've watched the rail cam a few times at Tehachapi, does seem that would be a pretty hard pull. With some of the high degree curves we have the predominance of rail change outs is also on the high side due to excessive curve wear on the rail head. Will ponder the high amounts of sand used. You always make me think! 😊

[@michaelmorgan7893]

Yes. Definitely. We love the fact you show us these videos. Helpful when designing layouts and painting my railroad pictures like I do.

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Michael, glad you are enjoying sir 😊

[@georei]

Awesome information. You never let me down with your knowledge. Keep em' rollin

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you George, really glad you are liking what you see sir, appreciate your watching 😊

[@stevencooper2464]

It's amazing the amount of precision required for something staked to pieces of wood set on gravel. I cut stainless steel for a living and I don't have to be that precise. Loved the video, though. (BTW, I have tool fetish as well...only the best tools for the job.)

[@ccrx6700]

Nice Steven. yep I like to work with good quality tools also. I am very protective of this gauge, no one allowed to touch it cept me unless I give them permission... Thank you for watching sir, appreciate that and for writing in

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

That's a pretty sweet level! Never saw one used before live.

[@ccrx6700]

Yes it is, i love it and guard it with my life! No one but me is allowed to touch it, at least that what I tell them ... lol. Thanks for watching 😊

[@petezapadka]

I can't believe how much I've learned from you. Keep up the good work!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Pete, glad you are enjoying the show 😊

[@russelltrupia4479]

This was a awesome video great demo. and info. I enjoy all you videos . Great job my friend.

[@ccrx6700]

Thak you Russell, really enjoy your comments too 😊

[@valeriebassett3107]

Wow, I didn't know any of what you just talked about. Your videos are so good and interesting. Thank you for sharing this with us. I'm so glad you love your job. We love watching your videos.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Valerie, well now you know 😊 Really appreciate your viewing and your always nice comments

[@stretchlimo7275]

Wow this video was very interesting, once again I never realized how important super elevation is for turns and track speed. Love your videos my man, thanks for the hard work and detailed explanations in these videos👍🏼😎

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you sir, we just had a major derailment and on the vid i made on why it happened you'll get a really good explanation of why super elevation is in curves. Look for it to come out end of next week or so. Appreciate your watching 😊

[@stretchlimo7275]

Excellent I’ll be patiently waiting, have a great rest of your work week my friend 👍🏼😎

[@dd1862]

Love these videos! I've started using your tag line at my own work. Something happens I just look at my coworkers and say: "That's railroading!"

[@ccrx6700]

👍 that made me smile! Really glad you are enjoying

[@repairsecrets]

When I worked on the Weyerhaeuser section from the mill to main line we had a gauge that was just two fingers on a fork on one end and a single finger on the other end. We had a level like your old one and used it occasionally. The section boss showed me what it was for, how it was used and then he showed me how bad the road bed was and how badly it was rotted out. The company did away with the line about a year of so later and went to all trucking. The engine and caboose was donated to a railway historical organization and I think so were all those tools. I love that fancy level you are showing. Thanks for the video.

[@ccrx6700]

Raikroaders make do with what they have available to them for sure. Thanks for watching and writing in and sharing, i love to hear from guys like you 😊

[@jasonbabila6006]

The gold colored one is what we use and we have the digital one as well but it has to be calibrated once a year or so, it's good you don't have lots of face gauge wear on the high rail at 25 mph, we have lots of face gauge wear on our mainlines because we have track speeds up to 79 mph for passengers and 50 mph for freight, but we have 141# CWR in the curves and 132-136 on tangent with some 115 CWR on tangent, you should look into adding curve blocks every third tie in the curves to help eliminate canting.

[@jasonbabila6006]

@@michaelball760 Small rails like that we do have in the yards but slowly it's being replaced with 112 & 115, anything smaller than 95 are getting harder to get replacements locally.

[@ccrx6700]

Some of our sharper degree curves do get a lot of wear on the high rail, couple of those curves get so much curve wear they get replaced every 10 or so years, seems like same degree curves some wear more than others, still pondering that but it seems like it happens more when they pulling grade with loads, gonna have to do more pondering bout that. Also I think we could do a better job on flange greaser placement. 2 years ago we bought 6 new LB Foster greasers, they are much better than the old style that had the Power Blocks, every winter the plungers would get brittle and break and we'd have to rebuild every one of them, the old greasers were Portec, I think Foster bought them out? The salesman from Foster told us he does a lot of business with BNSF. Didn't know they made a digital inspection gauge, thanks

[@chadgeorge6770]

Didn't know that. My uncle worked track gang. Never told me this. But I bet he knew. Again great video. 👍

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Chad, am pleased to hear you are enjoying the shows 😊

[@rickcooper6817]

Another great and informative video, thank you sir.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Rick, really glad you liked it, appreciate your viewing today's show

[@bobblenuts]

Great info, this video made me think about rollercoasters (especially higher speed) and how they must inspect their tracks. If it's an old wooden coaster it must have a totally different flex & expansion rate compared to newer steel coasters. Thanks Dave, this is one of my favorite videos.

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks! Really glad to hear you enjoyed my friend.

[@artillerest43rdva7]

Hello Dave: Thank you for all of your wonderful messages. I really like to learn about the railroad, I see the interchange when cars come into the site where I work, CSX is the road that does that for the company. you make things so interesting and enjoyable! you do not understand how complex maintenance is for a RR until you see your videos. thank you for all your hard work. right now we are in that nasty storm hitting Western NY. sustained winds of 35 gusts to70. lake effect snow due to lake erie being still open and not frozen over. take care barry

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Barry for the very nice words. We certainly appreciate all your wonderful support you have given the channel my friend. May you and yours have a most blessed holiday season.

[@ronhelman3985]

Awesome video!!! I love to learn. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Ron, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@johnd2042]

Good video learned something new. Happy Rails. Thanks

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you John, really glad you enjoyed today's show 😊

[@artillerest43rdva7]

that was interesting I knew about super elevation on rails. never knew how it was measured and set up. the low rail being the inside curve, and the elevated on the out side. the hi rail with more lateral forces. love your videos! merry christmas and happy new year! barry

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks Barry and may you and your family also have a most blessed and happy holiday season my friend.

[@rakasome]

Another nice vid. Learned something today. Thanks, Dave.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Ray, really glad you enjoyed watching today's show, these videos really keep me busy replying to all the comments, then when I got nothing else to do there's always grass to cut...LOL

[@tomharrington1393]

More interesting info Dave. Thanks for giving us you time filming. 🚂🚂

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Tom, glad you enjoyed watching today's show my friend

[@dorothycole8611]

Pretty neat piece of equipment. Looks like fun to use! Good explanation.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you 😊

[@NOS2022]

Thx for your great explanation! Learn a lot about rail. Like your channel learn a lot 👍🏻

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you M J glad you enjoyed the show today, appreciate your watching

[@gunsaway1]

I have learned a lot from you. Excellent

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you are enjoying these. Really appreciate your watching 😊

[@crash4me719]

Thank you for the information about the railroad!

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome, glad you found some value in this 😊

[@ericcoffedgp40]

That is quite the tool, Very important! I learn something new every day!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Eric, glad to hear you enjoyed today's show, got some pretty cool vids coming up for you next week, we had a major derailment and got like 8 or so vids on that waiting to be published, You will enjoy them. Really appreciate your watching sir

[@ericcoffedgp40]

@@ccrx6700 Alright, I'm really looking good forward to seeing! Last week I watched Winters Rigging move a locomotive! It was a very fascinating operation to watch!

[@ccrx6700]

@@ericcoffedgp40 yes it is awesome to see that, unfortunately i was not up there when they put that loco on so no vid on that

[@ericcoffedgp40]

@@ccrx6700 Yessir! Anyway looking forward to your vids.

[@capttom7772]

WELL ALRIGHT ! YT put y'all back on my "RECOMENDED" page! Dave; You have a "TRUE KNACK" for teaching. You took a simple subject and turned it into a "Learning Experience"! I am happy to have finally relocated your channel again. I never could have imagined there was so much to running a RailRoad ! "Who-da-thunk-it?!?! I'm gonna have to do some catch up on your videos......I take it the derailment is all cleaned up?

[@ccrx6700]

Good see you again Sir Captain! Yep all cleaned up vids gonna start coming out in bout 2 weeks on it. Turn on notifications mayb that will help. Hope you have been well

[@bobaroo58]

Thanks for this lesson on track specifications!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank ypu for watching, glad you liked the show 😊

[@user-by3uh8rv9l]

Thanks Dave. Really helpful.

[@ccrx6700]

Your very welcome Anjana, glad you enjoyed. We do appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

[@SmallMartingale]

Great video, very cool!

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you enjoyed it David, thanks for viewing the show 😊

[@georgesinopoli8943]

I initially used wooden track gauges and wooden level boards to check the track. We then evolved into the Aldon( aluminum one) and finally the Geismar. The tape measure was convenient and we also had plastic folding rules so we would not shunt the track as we had signal current running through the rail. The Aldon wasn't as accurate as the Geismar as far as measuring track gauge but using the pullout piece on the end it did a fair job as a level board. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for bringing this back to me. There was no job like railroading.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you so much for sharing George, I love it when guys like you with great railroadin experience write in about what they did and used. My aluminum one doesnt have a pull out on it, it's very old too, but not like the wood boards you talk about. Glad you are enjoying and thanks for watching 😊

[@fmorell6]

@@ccrx6700 your aluminum (Aldon brand) does have a pull out ruler on the gauge ruler end. loosen up that wing nut and pull out the ruler from the end. Extend fully and swing inward. You'll have to recalibrate that bubble to allow for the base. I agree with George not as accurate but good in a pinch. Just recently found your channel. Love your content.

[@ccrx6700]

@@fmorell6 yes sir. Mine is boogered up and wont pull out...

[@tlimb813]

I love your videos and videos we all love you 😘

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you

[@johnnycee5179]

Excellent. Only the best tools for the best man

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much Johnny for the nice comment. So glad you could stop by and take the time to check out the video.

[@Remiilfo6932]

I was wondering if your videos were on the level and maybe stretching it a bit. Good to see they're still in the informative range. Luv it. Thank you.

[@dock_yard1149]

I find his videos “super elevating” LOL

[@ccrx6700]

With a touch of cant deficiency....LOL

[@Remiilfo6932]

@@ccrx6700 how true is that...my old boss said that the word cant is not in the dictionary...🇦🇺🇺🇲

[@trapdriver7006]

Excellent video very informative 👍😀😀😀😀😀🚂🇬🇧

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Tony, nice to know you liked today's episode, appreciate your watching these sir

[@northstar2007]

Saw a MOW crew changing out sleepers. Over heard one of the guys finish putting the pins in and he said "nailed it"

[@ccrx6700]

You always make me laugh! Keep em coming 😄

[@northstar2007]

@@ccrx6700 hey, when is a tractor. NOT a tractor?

[@ccrx6700]

@@northstar2007 hah hah, i looked that one up! When it turns into a field. 😄

[@petekish2046]

Amazing video learned a great deal about track gauge and elevation

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks Pete, really glad you enjoyed today's episode, thanks for watching 😊

[@TriGogglin]

This is railroading, Great stuff, learning new things, I all ways see the local mow dudes breaking out the tape measure, ( the go kart) now your way ahead of the big dollar guys.

[@ccrx6700]

I'm like you are, like to be as accurate as possible and do the best job you can with what you've got. Thanks for watching my friend, appreciate that

[@briankemp5206]

Great educational video on track gauging.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Brian, great hear you enjoyed today's show. Appreciate your watching 😊

[@charlesp3764]

Very cool. Thanks for the insight.

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Charles, happy you liked viewing today's show, appreciate your watching sir

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Great explanation of them track tools and good video.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you glad you like today's episode, got your newest vide notification, just haven't had time to view it yet

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

@@ccrx6700 You are very welcome and looking forward to seeing more of your material.

[@daylightdave9405]

I learn so much from you.. it's just fascinating and I'm sure that $$$ track gauge gets tucked in at nite.. 😋

[@ccrx6700]

Yes sir David, I'm pretty protective of it, no one gets to touch it without my permission...LOL Thank you for watching, and am glad you enjoyed it

[@steelem422]

Nice lesson!

[@dingocastellino8740]

Cheers mate, great explanation

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks for visiting with us today dingo. Really appreciate your watching and writing in my friend.

[@Boilermaker-Rick]

Very nice track gauge

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you for noticing Rick. Do appreciate your writing in and for watching my friend.

[@mustralineabsorbine5082]

Great video.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you glad you liked seeing it 😊

[@edbarden4442]

Very interesting Dave

[@ccrx6700]

Very pleased to hear you had a good time with us Ed. Much appreciate your visit and for writing in my friend.

[@4everdc302]

Cool stuff👍I just got an HO scale"you"with spike hammer. You will be ahead of my track crew with a Fairmount speeder old school. Perhaps ready for my next video. We're still watching🚂🚃🇨🇦

[@ccrx6700]

Oh my! I'm totally flattered and humbled sir. You made my day with that comment 👍 PS: remember to pay that guy really well... lol

[@kens.3729]

Who would have Thunk🤔 ALL that goes into Railroading. You’re a Seasoned Veteran Railroader.👍

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Ken, glad you are liking these videos, appreciate your watching 😊

[@bobparsons77]

Great info as always.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Bob! Glad you enjoyed today's episode 😊

[@hectorreymundo4215]

Awesome, thank you much Sir

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Hector, good to hear you enjoyed the video, thank you for watching

[@kennkrizsanitz7820]

nice video Dave, and here I thought you just grabbed a 2x4 from the store and duct taped a 9in level to it. keep em coming. catch ya later.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Kenn glad you liked today's show sir.

[@kurtzbradley]

Great to have a video thank you!!

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome! really glad you enjoyed, got a lot more already made for you sir. Major derailment last week so got like 8 or 9 videos of that to post, look for it next week. Appreciate your viewing and thank you

[@KWMeikle]

Very interesting. Thanks

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Kevin, really glad you enjoyed 😊

[@dennisb-trains23]

Pretty cool stuff. A rolls royce and a go kart. 🚗🚗😀😀

[@ccrx6700]

Thought that was a fun way of saying it Dennis. Thanks for watching sir

[@gutterguru7158]

Another great video Dave. Superelevation in a curve very important. Here at Canadian National we call the grade “Low side” and the elevation side “High side”. We run 1-1/2” superelevation on the “high side” in a 3 degree curve. In our 20 degree curves our gauge is 56-7/8”. Your doing such a good job your knowledge is top notch. By the way did you hear Canadian National out bid Canadian Pacific for KCS.

[@ccrx6700]

We call it high and low rail too. I think CN and KCS will be a great match, we'll wait and see what the STB says. You really have 20° degree curves? Oh wow! Our sharpest main is 13 with a 14 on a run around track

[@ccrx6700]

PS: I've suggested some gauge widening on our sharper degree curves because of the 3 axle loco trucks, but no one yet wants to do it, but when that loco pushes thru a curve guess the curve wear it makes widens the gauge eventually

[@jameshenton2589]

this comment aged well lol

[@EastBayFlipper]

Did you know that standard gauge was based on the avg width of 2 horse hindquarters. It was also the standard rut marks on a roman road that you can still see today in Europe.

[@EastBayFlipper]

The track and sleepers is as much of a "machine" as the locomotives and railcars because without any single element, it doesn't work

[@ccrx6700]

I've seen that before John! pretty cool isn't it. Appreciate your watching sir

[@tucobenedicto109]

"Guys Mar" Gauge. The track engineers use that to check the track. Good video, Track forman have a different gauge just to check regular gauge.

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you enjoyed the show, appreciate your watching 😊

[@PlanetMojo]

My little Starrett combination square costs about $200. You can get a 'General' brand stamped one for less than $10. One is a tool, the other looks like a tool from a distance...

[@ccrx6700]

Wow! I understand completely what you are saying. I like to work with good quality tools, makes the job easier and more precise and better done in the end. Makes you feel good about yourself

[@PlanetMojo]

@@ccrx6700 Absolutely - If you want the job done right, quality tools are a must 😊

[@ccrx6700]

@@PlanetMojo remember the old videos of Ernest? He always said the right tool for the right job, used to crack me up watching those movies

[@PlanetMojo]

@@ccrx6700 Can't say I do, could you link to one? Sounds familiar though...

[@ccrx6700]

@@PlanetMojo Ernest goes to camp kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4qwqJKaodOJfpI

[@andrewthacker114]

Interesting clip thanks

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Andrew, thank you for watching sir 😊

[@leslane4421]

Great information, you can only learn this stuff on this channel.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Les, really glad you like these and appreciate your watching 😊

[@imapaine-diaz4451]

Wow, $800 for a measuring gauge! and I thought some of my hand tools were expensive😲😲But well,,,,considering the consequences of track failure, it's probably worth every penny.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much for taking the time to pay us a visit and check out the track inspection gauge my friend.

[@billtimmons7071]

The real world of railroading, and the virtual world of hobby railroading. What bridges the two? That would be this awesome channel. Thank you for your time.

[@billtimmons7071]

Follow up question: If you have to adjust the rail gauge, do you pull the old spikes, plug the holes, slide the plate then re-spike? I'm asking because it seems if you only have to move a little bit, you may overlap the old spike holes and the new spike may not hold. Is the spike hole plug as strong as the native tie wood? Just curious. Thanks.

[@ccrx6700]

Bill, you are absolutely correct in how that is done! We use a product called Sure Spike to plug the holes, it is a gun powder like composition, it works very well. Watch mu video on all about spikes where I show you it, the Sure Spike fills in the overlapped holes, provides excellent seal protection kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHrRe3mCn92WkNU

[@stephenwissel7902]

When you check a curve, at what interval do you check it?

[@ccrx6700]

Stephen, Fed law requires me to do a weekly track inspection either by foot or in hi rail truck. Watching the bright band on track while I'm inspecting, if I see something out of ordinary then I will get out of truck and check it with a gauge if need be. Hope that helps clarify for you sir.

[@philiphickman5085]

Are the track width gauges insulated to not impede signalling of that section of track ? Cant wait to see more information on track work. Thanks for sharing.

[@ccrx6700]

Philip, we do not have any track circuits here. those that do have insulated joints where needed, track gauge has nothing to do with track circuitry however, hope that helps, I'm not much of an expert on track circuits, but if that didn't help, write back and I'll try and answer what you were meaning. Thanks for watching sir

[@lijujoseph7769]

Brilliant Thanks Sir, FOR A Railway PTS trainee. Looking forward to calculate every 5 sleeper, this would be beneficial if you can do it in mm like know and how we record it. Many thanks, Joe.

[@ccrx6700]

Your certainly welcome Joe, glad you enjoyed. Thanks so much for visiting with us and may you have a very good day my friend.

[@petero2693]

Thanks. Great onfo

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Peter, glad you enjoyed 👍

[@paintnamer6403]

Cool R R tape measure. Do they have to be inspected for tolerance every year? I worked in a factory that did that to any measuring device and recalibrate or throw it out, tapes would be thrown out. We were ISO 9000 certified.

[@ccrx6700]

Good question most likely some RR's do that, sorry to say mine never has been re calibrated other than a few times I've checked it accuracy with a straight edge and line level

[@geraldblackburn4883]

We learned something, I did wonder about this...,

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you liked today's show Gerald, appreciate your watching sir!

[@TheAnonymousfruit]

I’m an English Track inspector. We all have those Geismar Gauges. We refer to them as Track Geometry gauges. You can get versions of them with Train wheel profiles so you can check how a train wheel interfaces with switches and Crossings (points and frogs?) Did you have to buy that gauge yourself? What sort of shift patterns do you do? Is it a National/federal company you work for or a smaller one? Sorry if I’m bombarding with questions. Track maintenance and inspection is pretty interesting when you see it done abroad.

[@ccrx6700]

Awesome sir! Always love to hear from our neighbors and learn how they do things. I like track geometry gauge. That would be a really neat thing to have how the wheel profiles interface, I do not have anything like that. Company bought the inspection gauge. I really don't understand what you mean by shift patterns? We have a coal mine here that has a track to transport coal from the mine 17 miles to a river harbor facility where coal is loaded on barges. Would love to have you come out and ride track with me sometime, I would learn a lot and we would have an awesome day talking track and railroading!

[@TheAnonymousfruit]

@@ccrx6700 That would sound like some good fun! Are you responsible for the whole line? How many men does the company have looking after that railroad? Would be great to see, anyway you've earned a subscriber! Thanks for your response (Shift patterns being what hours/days you work in a given week)

[@YoungstownSteelHeritage]

Please tell me that you know that the end slides out of the Aldon gauge and that is what you use to measure the superelevation.

[@ccrx6700]

My apologies sir for not explaining in the video that it did, however on mine the end has been boogered up for years now and haven't been able to use it, so it just skipped my mind in the video. Thanks for writing in and for watching

[@wayneakins7850]

I like this

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Wayne, really glad you enjoyed 😊

[@bryanthunderfootporter4436]

Good info! 👍🏻 I noticed your rail is spiked 2 per side (4 for the rail) as well as 1 for the plate on the outside only. Is this because we’re in a curve? (Flat tangent as I recall is 1 per side of the rail and maybe 1 for the plate.) Is 4 for the rail used instead of anchors?

[@ccrx6700]

Bryan, very observant there sir. You are correct we usually one put 1 rail holding spike on each side in tangent, and 2 rail holding on the gage side with 1 on the field side in curves. The spike on the field side of the tie plate furthest out is called an anchor spike. The spike pattern is not used in place of rail anchors. Here's a vid on spikes I made if you would like to watch it, in that I talk about spike patterns kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHrRe3mCn92WkNU

[@teamground0229]

Many would think - track maintenence videos, boring. I have enjoyed them and learned a lot. Do the turnout and super elevation videos. How did you learn about this? On the job? Shown by others or training classes?

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you are liking the show! Appreciate your watching. Over the years had the benefit of a lot of great railroaders teach me stuff, plus hands on experience plus have taken training classes on track maintenance and am all the time reading up on the subject. 18 years full time on this job pkus 26 years part time before that, guess I oughta know a little somethin bout it ... lol 😉

[@marth6271]

Dave: If the superelevation is out of acceptable range, how is it corrected? Thank you for the interesting, inside baseball videos.

[@ccrx6700]

My tamper is how the super elevation gets put in. Got several vids on my channel of me tamping if your interested, you can find them on the playlist tab

[@TempoDrift1480]

At 5:09 you can see fingers gripping the bottom of the rails between the two ties. Back when I was a kid I used to see these things that looked like big E clips. Are those the same things and what are they for?

[@ccrx6700]

Watch this video I made for your answer kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqHXd2eLqZ6ChcU

[@rebelrailroader]

You're lucky to have a Geismar track tool. I've always wanted one. I used a a slightly different type of your aluminum level board. I could check gauge with it, but it wasn't as accurate as the tape measure was. I had the FRA tape that had markings for what was good and in violation. What's going on with that joint? It looks like a ball break, but I didn't get a good look in the video.

[@ccrx6700]

So your a bit jealous Zach? Lol... yes I am lucky to have it. I guard it with my life, I won't allow anyone to touch it without my petmission 😉 that tape I had is also like the one you had, just got it a few months ago. The spot you saw was once a battered head that was welded 2 years ago, Very Observant, you can tell you're a railroader! 👍

[@rebelrailroader]

@@ccrx6700 yes, I am. I was limited on what I could check with my level board, especially in a turnout. I used a tape to check turnouts. I did forget to mention that on my level board one end was stored inside itself and had a ruler on it. I could set cross-level, superelevation on it. Making the bubble centered in the glass. It saw a lot of use in my hands.

[@ccrx6700]

@@rebelrailroader got one of those to, but since the Geismar came it been stored in track shed, i didnt think to bring it with me, kinda made this vid on spur of the moment.

[@TheAndy331]

I saw a track crew with one of those really long stretched out skeleton framed yellow cars with what looked like lasers and reflectors on it , I always assumed it was for track alignment and parallelization and leveling do you guys use them ever ??

[@ccrx6700]

If it's what I'm thinking that was a tamper with a light carriage stretched way out front? If so, yes I run a tamper here, got several videos of me running it on a playlist on my channel if you would some time care to watch

[@royreynolds108]

At 1:30, you should have pulled the vertical measuring stick out of the aluminum tube to measure with instead of trying to do so with a flimsy tape measure, it would have given the elevation to the nearest 1/16th inch. I have a wooden No 27 Woodings-Verona level with a bronze elevation gauge.

[@jairmaya7486]

Hi, thanks for the video, appreciate it. What about the calibration of level board?

[@ccrx6700]

The inspection gauge doesn't need calibrating, you have to adjust the level bubble on it each time you use it, just like a normal 4 foot type of level would be, hope that makes sense. Appreciate your paying us a visit and may you have a very good day my friend.

[@donaldwittmuss6079]

Curve 28....MP6.8 Which direction you shooting, facing, west...??? Good info on inspection process. Do you record your info for any historical needs...??? If there's any deviations in gauge what are correction process to correct...????

[@ccrx6700]

Yes sir Donald facing west MP 6.8 Guess when I'm retired I can go back and watch these, would bring back good memories. Deviations will be corrected by tamping in good ballast conditions, tamping a low rail that is in mud will not hold track surface very long. Won't be long before you know more of where we're at on the track than I do...LOL

[@donaldwittmuss6079]

@@ccrx6700 Those bits of orientation info give a sense of being with you at those locations... You can look at Google Maps and relate to where you are at in your work day...

[@ccrx6700]

@@donaldwittmuss6079 glad that makes you feel like your more a part of this. Every time now I make one I think, got to give MP so you know where we at! 🌝

[@timgiles9413]

Great video. What is the train wheel taper angle? Thank you.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Tim. Wheel profile has a taper of 3 degrees. That is roughly a 1 in 40 cant, much the same as a tie plate is cut. Thanks so much for tuning in to the video and watching my friend. Interesting to note the wheel taper works very good at preventing wheel slide or skipping up through about a 3 degree curve. Above that degree of track curvature one or the other wheel will begin to hop or skip thru a curve, contributing to corrugation on the rail head surface. As you know at whatever rpm one wheel turns the other side wheel must also since it is a solid axle between the two. There is a shorter distance thru a curve on the inside rail than the outside, think horse racing because horses always run the inside of the track nearest the fence because it is a shorter distance to the final. From my perspective it is usually the inside wheel which will try to keep up with the outside wheel evidenced by the amount of corrugation we see here that is almost exclusively on the low or inside rail of a curve.

[@timgiles9413]

@@ccrx6700 Thank you for your expert reply. If I would build a train wheel, I would build it with a 3-degree taper, correct? Thank you so much and I love your videos :)

[@billyvalentine1836]

RCA Gauge, track gauge, elevation, flange and back to back gauge. Old technology, Geissmar has a digital version, to which I been using since 2014.

[@ccrx6700]

They tell me a digital one has to be calibrated once a year, is that true Billy? Only seen pictures of them

[@andiep3854]

@@ccrx6700 maybe more than that. lol. they are more fragile, the foot paddle is spring tensioned and breaks easily. mostly plastic internals

[@ccrx6700]

@@andiep3854 okay, thank you 👍

[@erniemorales4416]

Hi there Please correct me if I am wrong. My understanding is that standard track gauge in the USA is 48.5 inches. I think I heard 56.5 in your narrative. Never worked for a RR so I may be out in the weeds. Thanks.

[@ccrx6700]

What you heard was correct, however it would be 4 feet 8 and 1/2 inches, same thing as 56 1/2 inches. Narrow gauge track is typically 36 inches, interesting to note that our track in the outside yard and under ground in the mine is 44 inches! Appreciate your watching Ernie

[@dock_yard1149]

In a 10-inches-to-the-foot world, you’d be correct LOL

[@davidhuber9418]

awesome! thank you, i don't think ole "buddy" has has one of them lol

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome David, glad you enjoyed and got a bunch more cool vids coming up you will like also. Had a major derailment happen so gonna start posting vids of that! Stay tuned my friend, we just got started!!!!

[@Oliver-kv2mm]

Can you imagine working on The Horseshoe Curve?

[@ccrx6700]

Oh golly I would love it! Thanks for watching. I take it you are an antique tractor buff? Got to love an old Oliver, they don't make em like that anymore

[@Oliver-kv2mm]

I ave my aunts 1950 Oliver 77 that she bought brand new.

[@ccrx6700]

@@Oliver-kv2mm 👍awesome

[@derailexpert2319]

You don't need a tape measure for the Aldon level board. Loosen the wing nut and pull the kick stand out of the end. The stand has the measurements on it.

[@ccrx6700]

Yes sir, would have done that except the end got boogered up many years ago and since I haven't used it since then, I simply forgot to mention it in the video. Thanks for your input and for watching

[@michaellannan8511]

@@ccrx6700 Contact Mike at Aldon for some freebee replacement parts or repair.

[@ccrx6700]

@@michaellannan8511 Thanks, dummy me never thought of that 😭

[@christophereaves862]

On super elevation, how much does the track change when the train loads? Kool videos man.

[@ccrx6700]

That depends on the ballast compaction, obviously in a mud spot the track will sink much more than in a spot where there is good ballast and drainage, so the answer to your question Christopher has as many answers as there are variables in track conditions. Hope that is what you meant, if not send a comment back

[@christophereaves862]

@@ccrx6700 10-4, So it’s basically weather conditions, age of ballasts, just a ball of yarn of things LOL. Thanks man

[@joecummings1260]

If the super elevation is wrong, does it weare the wheel flange and the inside of the track?.

[@ccrx6700]

Joe, very excellent observation there sir! It certainly does. Thank you for watching today's show 😊

[@fredygump5578]

What is the typical width between the train wheels? I assume the flange on the wheel isn't supposed to touch the rail, so the distance between must be a little narrower than that 56.5"? And how far out can the track be before it becomes a serious problem?

[@ccrx6700]

Inside flange of a car wheel does touch the rail head, this is how the truck set is steered thru a curve. It may or may not touch the rail head in tangent track. The distance between inside flanges varies because the inside flange is beveled, but near center of this bevel is bout 56 inches. Code Fed Regs specifies on class 2 track like we have the max allowed gage for the rails is 57 3/4 inches. At 59 1/2 inch gage the wheels can start to fall thru depending on amount of rail head wear

[@fredygump5578]

@@ccrx6700 Thanks! It's guys like you that make KZbin an awesome place!

[@ccrx6700]

@@fredygump5578 your welcome, utube wouldnt be nothing without guys like you who watch either