The Worst Section of Track We Have

[@johnnycee5179]

There sure is ALOT more maintenance involved in r.r. track than the average person is aware of. With the cost of everything going through the roof your costs are getting worse as well. Great job Dave

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you enjoyed Johnny. yes sir costs have risen on the RR a whole lot in the past several years. Thank you so much for checking out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@raymondsprengelmeyer1278]

It always seems like when one thing goes wrong, a whole string of things go wrong. You always keep your sense of humor, what a great attitude! Thank you for sharing Dave!

[@ccrx6700]

Your right about that Raymond! But that's life and railroading. Really appreciate your very nice comment and for all your great support of the channel my friend.

[@michaelball760]

I feel your pain, we have many pumping spots like that. Ours comes from track being built on a dry lake bed, hard to keep ballast under everything when it sinks and disappears.

[@ccrx6700]

Pumping track is never a good thing, let go too long then you end up with loose spikes and the tie bottoms worn out. But that's railroading. Really appreciate all your great support of the channel for such a long time now my good friend.

[@AlanMullen-w1f]

Good job, lots of work. Looks good at the end. thanks (Alan)

[@glenmchargue5461]

If I could offer a suggestion: I love trains and I love jargon. In the moments when the train is rolling by or you are walking the track, if you could just narrate more of what you see through your experience, different cart types, different track hardware, etc. Get even more technical and train geeky (a good thing). You are really good at this already and I've learned so much, I love it, and I know lots of your viewers already know a ton. But I am not one of those viewers, and I want to learn more.

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks for the suggestion Glen. I have around 250 videos and a good part of them explain a lot about railroading, now I don't expect you to go binge watch to find out everything, but probably most of what you want to know is in a video someplace. But I do think you are right, narration of different things appeals to a large audience whether they have heard it before. I just made a video this past week of a CSX train thru a curve that had an excessive amount of flange squeal. So part of that video is after the train I walked the track and show in the video my hypothesis on why the excessive amount of noise showing the deviations in the rail head bright band where the train wheels run on and a good bit more. So this is the kind of thing you are seeking, although I have no idea when that video will come out. Thank you for your kind words and for watching today. I'm always open to suggestions my friend.

[@jmd18]

The way we do mud spots on my RR is, we unspike 4 ties and pull them out. We leave the 5 one to hold the gage. Then we take our wide bucket and clean out between the ties we left in there. Then we slide the ties back under the rail (if they are any good), respike them and then dump fresh rock on top. We do have a narrow cribbing bucket too, but only use it if it is a small mud spot. 4-5 cribs.

[@ccrx6700]

That is perfect JMD, but bet you are never working alone doing it. 90% of the time when I'm cribbing I have me and about half the time have someone to run a regulator for me. So while your way is much better than mine, I just cannot do all that by myself and keep a train running at the same time. We have done that in the past a few times when we had man power to pull spikes and re spike, the bump the 5th tie and clean under it, but it's just so rare I get any kind of help to do that. Appreciate your writing in and for watching the video today my good man.

[@DeadlyDiddly]

Hi Dave, have you ever done a video where you put your hi-rail truck on the tracks or taken it off and driven away? I'd like to see that. 😀👍

[@ccrx6700]

No I have not DeadlyDiddly, thanks for the suggestion, I will keep that in mind for a future show. Always appreciate suggestions on what folks would like to see. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@rodchallis8031]

The excavator track issue took me back to problem solving in the factory. Whenever I saw guys scratching their heads not being able to figure out a problem-- guys that had maybe over a century of experience between them-- I knew someone had made a wrong assumption somewhere along the line. That being said, if the new track had the same part number as the old one that probably would have stumped me too.

[@ccrx6700]

Well Rod, here's what happened. Replacement track was made in china. That first day when we tried I told my helper I bet that replacement track is an odd size. When the second new track came the salesman told me they had a bad batch of tracks come in. I freaked out and said why in the world did you send me a track when you knew it was a bad batch. At least they finally made it right, new replacement was made in Tiawan and went right on. What is surprising to me is that with the several hundred comments on this video, no one yet has made a reference to first track must have been made in china! I figured I'd get a hundred comments on that! LOL So your the first to know where that was made.

[@wes5150.]

re: 1:52 'YIKES' ! I hope that's not on your High Speed Main Track !(Just Kidding) Thanks for another great video tour !

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Wes and Thank You for stopping by and taking in the presentation today my friend.

[@zenoelea8239]

Great video. Sounds like its lacking a foundation slope, matting and vapour barrier to ensure water runs into your drain. But that's a big big drainage re railing job.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Zeno and very glad you enjoyed. Got the drainage problems taken care of and will be 3 more videos out in this series where you will see how really nice things are now. Water is running away from the track instead of back into it like before. Appreciate your checking out the show my friend.

[@michaelpass2176]

That business for someone! To me Dave the bedding needs to all replace. Take all the crap out make new bed and new rock😊

[@ccrx6700]

If we had the time Michael, that track does need to be taken out and all the garbage bull dozed out, but we simply didn't have the time to do it. But it's beautiful track now.

[@326dad]

Do the best you can with what you have to work with ! Another great show Dave ! Stay safe

[@ccrx6700]

Your right in that Kurt. Thanks so much for the very nice comment and for checking out the video today my friend.

[@john6218att]

Really enjoy your videos Dave, too bad you guys can't get more help, its tough finding good workers these days.

[@ccrx6700]

I'm really glad to hear that john. So glad you are having a good time with us and we do appreciate your watching my friend.

[@paulbergen9114]

That sure was some rough area to crib. You'd never imagine that wet mud could suddenly become a brick sad to say it also reminded me of my grandmother's oatmeal bread. In the Midwest many lines have this problem due to bad drainage from adjoining properties. Combined with the switch problems you've got your work cut out for you again. At least the cars and engines were in good working order

[@ccrx6700]

Oatmeal bread, sounds interesting, have never heard of that before. All RR's have problems Paul, we are not unique in the mud spots. Really appreciate your taking in the video today and for all your great support of the channel for such a long time my friend.

[@MrChappy39]

Ballast in such an underrated aspect to rail line integrity.

[@ccrx6700]

You are so right in that my friend. Thank you for writing in and for taking the time to check out the video. May you have a most blessed day Four Foot 8 and a Bit. I once had a girlfriend who was 4 foot 8, she was very self conscious of being so short. I always told her she was too tall, I really wanted a girl who was 4 foot 6, she just rolled her eyes at me when I said that. I don't think she believed me....:-)

[@Arkay315]

Wow those are some muddy rails, looks like it would almost be easier to pack a lot more ballast in and raise the track bed. Keep up the good maitenance work

[@ccrx6700]

It has been all cribbed out now and is one of the best sections of track we have, got 3 more videos coming out in this mini series Arkay where you can see various things we did and stages of work. Track is now about 8 to 10 inches higher than it was when we first started. Tons of good ballast under those ties now. Thanks so much my friend for checking out the show tonight.

[@dezertraider]

TANK YOU DAVID..I TOLD YOU COAL WAS ON ITS WAY,WELL I CALLED 4 SUPPLIERS UP HERE IN MAINE AND ALL OF THEM SAID THERE ORDERS HAVE NOT BEEN DELIVERED! AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN OR IF THEY WILL BE FILLED... I FOUND 1 PALLET FOR 700$!!!!!!!!!! 2400LB...MY GOSH,GET SOME BAGGED ANTHRACITE COAL UP HERE.. MONEY TO BE MADE ...STAY WELL

[@ccrx6700]

Wow that seems pretty steep, but if no one else has it guess they can charge whatever. Does seem strange there is a lack. Bituminous coal has been steadily on the rise on the class 1 RR's this year much better than last year. Thanks so much my friend for visiting with me and best of luck to you this winter.

[@dezertraider]

@@ccrx6700 ANTHRACITE COAL IS WHAT I NEED..STAY WELL...

[@s16100]

Very interesting information about cribbing and hot weather. I never thought about a sun Kink happening much easier and or your machine causing it because nothing is holding it in place.

[@ccrx6700]

Very glad you liked that Bryan. We do appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in today my friend.

[@tomeasley5979]

Dave, it is a good thing you stay on top of things, even with equipment problems. What a spongy mess. It will sure be nice when you get it cribbed out. Thanks for sharing this video with us.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Tom, sometimes it's a struggle, but that's railroading! At least we don't give up. This is now one of the best sections of track we have which you will see in an upcoming video. This is the first of a 4 part mini series. Always great when you pay us a visit my friend.

[@Bassotronics]

6:19 .. that whole time I thought you were talking about a train track that split because of the excavator and you tried to get the new train track installed. And that your track adjusting cylinder of your machine also failed and still could not get the train track on only to find out you are talking about the excavator track mechanism and not a train track… poor me! 🤣 I was suspicious about the part numbers and such and then I was like “Doh!… that’s why..” hehe

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you got it straightened out Bassotronics. First defective replacement was made in China, go figure. Guess they had a bad batch and when I found out that they sent me tracks from a bad batch I was not a happy camper. Second replacement came from Taiwan. But all's well that ends well. Thanks so much my friend for visiting with me today.

[@Bassotronics]

@@ccrx6700 It sure can be annoying when you want to get a project done as soon as possible and due to an error, you would have to wait weeks. Glad everything was resolved.

[@ccrx6700]

@@Bassotronics 👍😊

[@rayshutsa6690]

Dave this sure is a bad section of track. It sure is muddy and is moving a lot. You never let things get you down. Love your explanation of what is wrong and what you need to do to repair it.l love your channel and content. Looking forward for more video's on the repair. ❤🇨🇦

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks so much Ray for the kind words, sorry my friend, YT was hiding this older post from me and I just found it. By now you've seen all 4 videos in the mini series so there is quite a difference.

[@michaelpass2176]

Have a good nights sleep my friend!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Michael and you too my friend.

[@michaelpass2176]

Dontdreams of laying Thais!

[@tommyzcat]

Monongahela, PA is my hometown so this channel is like listening to my great uncles talk about their time in the mills and on the river! Thanks Dave, you are a Gem.

[@ccrx6700]

That's not far from me Tommy Z Cat. The guy who owns the farm next to me lives in Monongahela, he used to make trolly poles for the mine cars at Maple Creek. We have a lot of good history of industry in our area.

[@leepwright8784]

I love rail roads

[@ccrx6700]

We would like to say Thank You very much for taking the time to visit with us today and watch the presentation Lee. RR's are a good thing to love.

[@STHFGDBY]

How can you purchase a new track with the same part number, same track number, and it's the wrong track !!!!!!!! Was this a manufacturer F-Up ?

[@ccrx6700]

Made in China is the answer. Sadly. Really appreciate your visiting with us and checking out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@lifeintornadoalley]

Was just thinking of you today. Our line is stacking equipment to do track maintenance here in SW Oklahoma. They just parked 2 ballast trains, 2 cranes, and that yellow one that pulls spikes. Wish they'd stop and crew change in my yard more often but they don't sadly. I'd love to get to know it up close!

[@ccrx6700]

Cool! Wonder if those guys watch my videos to see how it's done....LOL Very much appreciate your taking the time to watch the video and write in my friend.

[@DrJonez]

3:54 Wow! I never realized the track could move around that much. Kinda scary!

[@ccrx6700]

This was a rather extreme case, but it does happen as you can see and yes the track can move a lot when there is all that mud and not much ballast. When it gets like that, it just continues to get worse until the mud gets dug out. That section is now in really good shape and has stayed that way since the video was taken. Thank you very much for checking out the video. May you have a very good day my friend.

[@michaelpass2176]

Today Monday, September 19, 2022. 1800 hours 73*F.

[@ccrx6700]

73 is delightful Michael, hope you enjoy the day. Gonna get down this weekend here into the 40's my kind of weather.

[@SIGINT007]

That muddy section of track that you are fixing was just called "Tuesday" on a lot of Class 1's back in the 70's-90's

[@ccrx6700]

That's an interesting misnomer. I got a lot of Tuesday's to fix ....LOL Thank you so much for dropping in on us and watching today my good man.

[@shirleyharrington-moore9657]

Hi Dave. I have a few more questions: Did you collect the broken Kabota track for scrap metal or for another purpose? How did you get the machine home that way? I can't imagine leaving equipment that far from the shop. I'd have loved to see the new track installed. Thank you for allowing a non railroader to ask questions. Love your laugh.

[@ccrx6700]

Bad track went into the dumpster Shirley, it was rubber track. Did repairs in field beside track and machine is still up there on the other end of the curve doing more cribbing. Always enjoy hearing from you my friend.

[@cedarcam]

The track looked bad there but the train did not roll a lot which is good. No wonder you had a problem fitting the track on the excavator. Same part number different part Crazy. Hope it cooled off a bit now that heat is not good to work in.

[@ccrx6700]

First defective track was made in China, go figure. Salesman said when we returned it they had a bad batch come in. I was not happy and yelled at him if they knew there was a bad batch then why did you send me a track from that batch. Anyway second good replacement was made in Taiwan. This is now one of the best sections we have as you will see in some upcoming videos. Always great to have you pay me a visit my friend.

[@jw4620]

So there's a lot more to it than just dumping rock on it and tamping it. Shazam! Really like the EMDs! Thanks!

[@ccrx6700]

Yep, don't want to make things too easy for me jw....LOL Really appreciate your dropping in on us and watching the video my friend.

[@jonwatt678]

Excellent explanations Dave. My experience usually involves having a track come off in some deep muck or if you're real lucky a pin breaks & the track is off the machine.... Question.. I notice one end of the cars are painted red and marked "rotator end". What does this mean??

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks Jon, yep tracks always goof up at the worst possible time. Was shoving with a dozer one time down a steep grade when the one side track separated, never a dull moment. This one split while I was up on track so quickly got it off before it went in two. The colored panels on hopper cars denote the rotary coupler end. If you watch other trains out there, sometimes the color is white or blue or yellow. Thanks for stopping by and checking out the show today my friend.

[@GrifA-di6im]

Hi Dave Could you rent a small machine and just use your special bucket? 3 months too long being down Nice Video

[@ccrx6700]

Problem with that Grif A is the bucket is a special order because of the way it hooks to the excavator boom, there is no standard in the industry, all excavators are different in that respect. But good thinking, they should have gotten me another machine even if it came with a different bucket, but oh well. Appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

[@Makeitliquidfast]

Amazing that they haven't come up with a better solution to the current system. Seems crude, concrete instead of wood? I think i have a solution for those mud sections from getting soft when wet, something to solidify the coal dust and dirt. Stabilizer Solutions in Phoenix, Arizona. Ask for John. His product is used in National parks and mixes with the existing soils but keeps them hard. Read about it on his website.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you so much northislandnavalbase, I will definitely check that out. Appreciate your watching and writing in my friend. Sorry for the late reply, YT just sent me this comment today! go figure.

[@hughgautier3894]

91 here in NW Florida at730 pm as well and slowly going down. We lost the light breeze that was felt this afternoon while out in the Gulf of Mexico just South of me, it was raining.

[@ccrx6700]

Our hot weather is now behind us Hugh, gonna be down at night this weekend in the 40's, my kind of weather. We would like to say Thank You very much for taking the time to visit with us today and watch the presentation my friend.

[@irongoatrocky2343]

Dave your like I was/am always something to fix or do never enough time or help to do it...... so you just make the best with what you have.....its all one can do!

[@ccrx6700]

Your absolutely right in that irongoatrocky. Do what you can with the time, man power and machinery you have. Very much appreciate all your great support of the channel for such a long time now my friend.

[@VirtualJMills]

Not sure if this is done during routine analysis, but video playback at 1.5x to 2x speed really helps highlight areas of substantial rail flex.

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks, I will try doing that. Appreciate your watching the video VirtualJMills.

[@keithjurena9319]

Ties are mud pumping for sure. Looks like ballast fines and local clay silt with coal dust. Job security.

[@ccrx6700]

Always something to do here Keith. 3 more videos coming out in this mini series and what was once the worst section is now one of the best we have. Thanks so much my friend for checking out the show today.

[@terenfro1975]

Liquefaction. Need to remove the base and build it back with something with less clay in it. The clay will hold the water.

[@ccrx6700]

Sure would be nice if we had the time to take the whole track out and start over terenfro. We've done that in the past on several sections, but it takes many days of down time to get it accomplished and they won't give us enough track time to do it, so got to do with what time, manpower and machines you have given to you. Really appreciate your checking out the show today my friend.

[@garthmcgibbon4285]

Dave did you know a girl when you were younger named MaryAnn Snyder? She was a beautiful young girl whose father was a train dispatcher back around WW2. She always wanted to be around the railroad and meet and marry a railroad man. A great cook and even had a signal flare kit when she walked the tracks in case of trouble.

[@ccrx6700]

No I did not Garth, but sounds like I missed out on a winner there tho!

[@LadyAnuB]

Track adjustment that's not on a tank? Someone inform The Chieftain that there's more that military equipment that needs track adjustment. 😅

[@ccrx6700]

I just fired off an email to Mr. Chieftain informing him of your sentiments. We will see some action now....LOL Very much appreciate your paying us a visit today and watching LadyAnuB.

[@kraz904]

Dave, why not put pvc pipe to drain the water away from the track? You know where the tracks flood so it should be an easy project...

[@ccrx6700]

Good idea but it would have to be off the track cause the train would just crush it. If I ever build a new track I will put some kind of heavy duty drain in the middle and drain all the water away. Thanks so much for watching and writing in my friend.

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

blue87fj60 1 second ago That whole operation hinges on good track to keep from a costly disaster. They should be supporting your efforts 100%. Machine is down for 2 months for a stinkin bad track? They should of immediately rented you another machine. And one with air conditioning! Just sayin 😂

[@ccrx6700]

Air conditioning? You wouldn't want to make me soft now would you? LOL However I totally agree with your statements. Very much appreciate your taking in the show today my friend.

[@robbypolter6689]

When I see the entire track body, the ballast bed is relatively flat and clogged with sand. A new drainage would have to be provided to the right and left of the track system and the bushes would have to be cut back. Do you have the possibility to dig drainage ditches to the right and left of the track bed? Another thing I noticed when the coal train drove by was cracking and crunching noises, as if the tracks had been washed out and ridged edges. The next noticeable thing was the breathing of the rails with the sleepers, which were almost 10 cm in the vertical. Due to this mechanical load, comparable to bending a piece of sheet metal, the material becomes rough and cracked at the bending edge and then breaks at this point. A small hairline crack develops at this stress point on the splint, this crack becomes visible during an ultrasound check. What I also noticed, the echotter from the track bed had too different grain sizes, the smaller stones fill in the gaps between the larger ones over time and block the drainage of rainwater. In the area that can be seen in the video, I would remove all the ballast there and lay out a new track bed in the form of a wide truncated pyramid. If you have the time and interest, google Deutsche Bahn/Gleisbau or Gleisbau Spitzke - Die Gleisprofis, you could certainly get a few suggestions there. Don't forget at work, safety first.

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks Robby for taking the time to watch and write in. The crunching sound of some of the car wheels was from coal falling out of a leaky door and getting ran over. There are 3 more videos coming out in this mini series and hope you will watch them also. The second part just came out and here is the link to see it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWStYqt3opJ8qZI

[@stretchlimo7275]

Interesting stuff Dave, it’s truly a never ending battle to keep that ballast healthy. Question- do you ever accidentally snag an anchor with that cribbing bucket? Great video Dave, always a pleasure 👍🏼😁🇺🇸

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you enjoyed Stretch Limo. With these leaky hopper cars you are right, it's never ending, but at least I can still do it. Yes I do knock some anchors off with the bucket from time to time. Anchors are a pain to crib when the ties are close, have to dig deep to get under them. Thanks so much for all your great support of the channel for such a long time now my friend.

[@arcapelico]

Dave I love your vids and presentations about trains and rail operations. your vids and content are superior. My drill sergeant told us to prepare our selves as if we were going to talk to the president when we were going to talk to a large number of people. I listened to him and it paid off. You have the world as an audience. Please look in the mirror. Get your teeth cleaned Shave before each video. Make people want to hear what you have to say. You have an addictive smile and captivating laugh. Dress the part my friend and quadruple your subscriptions.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you archipelago, very glad you are enjoying. I hear you on your thoughts. problem being in presenting myself. I work, I get dirty, I don't carry a shave kit with me on the track. often these videos are made spur of the moment, I don't have a script to follow, it's 95% off the cuff. There is no dress rehearsal. I dress the part of a working man who sometimes makes these videos after doing 8 or 10 hours work and often while I am working. After working a full shift in the hot weather should I look like a hollywood movie star fresh out of the make up room? I do get my teeth cleaned at local dentist regularly, but also understand I'm not a movie star that has a make up artist with them right before they go on camera. In the same light I do certainly wish I did look more presentable, I'm not photogenic like some people and I understand that. For a long time I never showed myself on camera until I got so many requests to do that. It becomes kinda like a catch 22 situation. And I don't have all the answers yet. Your thoughts:

[@ericcoffedgp40]

That EMD sounded excellent flying by! Excellent footage, another very enjoyable and educational installment Dave!

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much Eric. So glad you had a good time with us. We do appreciate your taking in the show today my friend.

[@ericcoffedgp40]

@@ccrx6700 Sure thing! Always happy to come along!

[@JD-kg3mx]

Dave, why in the heck didn’t I ever think of a career in railroading?! I’m an old blue collar that worked building and grounds maintenance with electrical certs including welding and did pretty good but I think I’d love to work the railroad as a tech. It looks like a great career.

[@ccrx6700]

Technology on the RR has been steadily increasing for past many years in a lot of different aspects of railroad work. They need competent folks like you J D. Way back when we started tech jobs on the RR weren't many. Thanks for taking in the video today my good man.

[@yrunaked4]

Pumpin mud, I used to watch trains pump mud on the Illinois Central when I was a kid, I always thought it was neat back then. Sure is a problem though. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Rob

[@ccrx6700]

It is neat when you don't have to fix it or be the engineer of a train going over it....LOL Thank you Rob for stopping by and taking in the presentation today my good man.

[@kevinaurandt6280]

Is there a chance that there is a spring under there somewhere, or a channel off the banks and behind that allows rain water to seep under the track bed in that area? With that vertical action on the rail/ties, it’s like a natural pump to pull water in and release along the underlying ground…look I dunno noffin’, just wondering 😳. I’m fascinated with the amount of detailed work to keep the track in satisfactory condition.

[@ccrx6700]

There was very poor drainage in that area along with the ballast being completely contaminated with mud Kevin. Yes you are right in that when a train loads that rail, it pushes water and mud down and then when it unloads, acts like a pump pulling water and more mud up with it. Perpetual cycle that ends up with the results of the mess we had. it's all fixed up now with no mud, great drainage and all good ballast. Thank you so very much for watching and writing in my friend.

[@ronhelman3985]

Great video Dave, that's pretty cool!!!👍👍👍👍👍

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much Ron for the kind words. So glad you enjoyed. We really appreciate all the great support you give to the channel for such a long time now my friend.

[@erniemathews5085]

These roadbeds are constructed like Roman roads. Gee, the preparation alone is tough.

[@ccrx6700]

Really appreciate your paying us a visit Ernie and checking out the presentation my good man. Rome only wished they had a few of these excavators around when building their roads.

[@Uftonwood2]

The question is: How many track miles are you responsible for and of that, what proportion has deteriorated to this extent?

[@ccrx6700]

We have 16.8 miles of track here. This was a mud spot but it developed rapidly into what you saw in the picture within a short 3 week period where we had a tremendous amount of rain. For some reason this place just went really bad really quick. We have other mud spots, but nothing near like it was there. You can ride our entire track with me if you'd like, I've made videos of the whole track so you can see first hand the conditions of the entire line. Here is the first video in that series, links to the other 3 parts of the series are in that video's description. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZuro6x7bstskNE

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Great video and explanation Dave, very informative we learn a lot from these! (Dave).

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much Steve for the very nice comment. Always a pleasure to have you visit with me my good friend.

[@paulsmith5398]

Isnt it interesting how much the weather can affect railroad operations?? Most model railroaders dont have those issues, unless they have a Penn Central train on their layout..............all my trains negotiate the "bad spots" on my layout with ease, except for the PC freight train...........wonder if thats because of the name??????🤣🤣🤔😵😱❗❗

[@royreynolds108]

You do remember that PC did have the ignominy of having a standing train derail, didn't you? The KCS had that happen in the Greenville, TX yard also.

[@rearspeaker6364]

@@royreynolds108 both in the 1970's too.

[@paulsmith5398]

@@royreynolds108 no, i sure didnt know of either one, but the "old" Illinois Terminal had the very same thing happen, it sounded and felt like an earthquake, and was only a couple blocks from where i lived at the time. Seems like the ties were so old and rotten, all that weight spread the rails, and over they went! The engines remained upright, but a huge bunch of grain hoppers just fell on their sides like dominoes.

[@paulsmith5398]

@@rearspeaker6364 the standing derailment of the I.T. also happened in the 1970s.

[@rearspeaker6364]

@@paulsmith5398 it was a rough time for railroads in the 1970's.

[@johnarkell4493]

Can you add a membrane under the ballast when doing complete relaying to prevent mud pumping up?

[@ccrx6700]

We have taken the whole track out in some other sections in the past John, bull dozed everything out, then we lay down a Geo Textile fabric, but that takes a lot of time to do and cannot do it only cribbing ties. Very much appreciate your checking out the show today my friend.

[@petesilcox4102]

Ground water , springs under track, need deeper ditches and under drains of steel pipes to drain area to slow the problem . Will always be a problem in the area with high water table area Old Pete

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Pete for writing in and sharing you thoughts. We very much appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@garymessina1609]

Could use a vactor truck to clean most of the mud out then re cribb the ties and rail yes Dave it's bad but I know you will come up with the solution sounds like you had a bad day at black rock but great video my friend

[@ccrx6700]

That would be an awesome idea Gary to suck up all the fines after I crib it. But also a large expense. Hulcher vac truck is not cheap and being I usually only get 2 to 3 rail lengths a day, it would cost company a ton of money to have a vac truck there for a day with only that small amount to do. I have suggested numerous time in the past that we buy a vac train with all the coal spillage along the track we have. but that will probably never happen, but if we had out own unit then having it right behind my cribbing would be fantastic. But a guy can dream can't he!

[@annyer262]

Looks just like the Belair line, South Australia. I used to catch the train to school over tracks like this!

[@ccrx6700]

We really appreciate your taking the time to stop by and check things out. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@vincentmckiernan4975]

What happens to this company when you decide to retire? Love your videos!

[@ccrx6700]

They are probably going to close the mine down Vincent....LOL Thank you very much for watching and writing in my friend. PS: one of the outside superintendents once said a long time ago, when 1 monkey in the circus dies, they just get another monkey... :-)

[@ocsrc]

I really wish I could get an old forest fire utility truck with the water cannon and 5000 gallon tank. I would love to try blasting out the mud and ballast out from the ties and see if it would work. It would be cool to see it become skeleton track and bring ballast hoppers behind and dump new ballast in one smooth process

[@ccrx6700]

I really hope you can find one, make sure it has hi rails on it too. I would like to see how it works out also. Just gotta figure out how to get that much water to the job site. We are too far away from creeks to pump it up to the track. Thanks so much my friend for dropping on on us and watching the show today.

[@tuna22lm]

Do you guys have very much CWR in your area, or is it mostly jointed rail?

[@ccrx6700]

Here we have 16.8 miles of track only about 1/2 mile of it is CWR. Jointed track is a real maintenance nightmare, but it's job security....LOL

[@morse2795]

Wow, I couldn't believe how much that track would move up and down when the train was going over it. This is interesting to see how you repair that issue

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you liked that part William. Appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

[@Grandpa82547]

Can you do anything to prevent kissing ties, or do you just have to deal with it when it happens?

[@ccrx6700]

They are caused because there is no resistance in between the ties and when the rail creep and also the passing trains they push the ties together. Fix: is to get rid of the mud and fill with clean good ballast and then they won't move. Thanks Grandpa for checking out the show today and writing in.

[@chipchop9067]

Good ol nasty wood. Best take care of that on the double skippy, yessum I do say.

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks Chip Chop for taking the time to check out the video today my good man.

[@TheRrxing]

Wish I could put the train part on a loop for the times I can’t sleep. Love the sounds

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Eddy for taking the time to watch the video and write in. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@Jim-jh79fb]

Meant to ask last video you mentioned about grease hoses when you was dragging rail what are they for what do they grease

[@ccrx6700]

Those hoses Jim come from the greaser to wiper bars that are bolted on the inner sides of the rails. They supply the grease from the greasers to those bars. The greasers are for flange lubrication to cut down wear on the rail head gage face along with the car wheels. Someday I will do a video on the wayside flange greasers but it won't be until sometime later next year. So for now that will have to suffice. Always great to have you join us on the show my friend.

[@jamessotherden5909]

You sure do have your work cut out for you. Now that you have that as the best section of track Where is the worst? Job security for sure.

[@ccrx6700]

Yes James there is always something to do here, my dad always said, no rest for the wicked.... LOL You'll see our next section of track to be worked on in an upcoming video in this mini series, it's on the other side of bridge 2. There are 3 more videos to come out on our work here. Thanks so much my friend for checking out the show today.

[@tzadik36]

When in a hurry, one could use an electric razor instead of slashing one's face.

[@ccrx6700]

Which reminds me, think I need to get a battery operated razor and shave before I make an intro into a video.... or, hire a pretty young make up artist to go out on the job with me every day.... :-) I like second idea the best

[@curtw8827]

Thanks for the video. I think you deserve a nice, new safety vest.

[@ccrx6700]

Your welcome Curt, very glad you enjoyed. Will have to take a trip to Mendards, they got a nice selection of safety vests there, but it will just get dirty again. Really appreciate your visiting with me on the show my friend.

[@markshogan2642]

The muddy track reminded me of the old Penn Central mainline near Cleveland.

[@ccrx6700]

PC had their share of bad track for sure Mark, but they had to money and management that couldn't get along, it was doomed from the start. Very much appreciate your dropping by and watching the video today my good man.

[@MrSeebsy]

Railway's just aren't in the US DNA.... You guys try hard but just have no idea.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much NJ Commuter for taking the time to watch the video and share with us your thoughts. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@MrSeebsy]

@@ccrx6700 Go take a 3hr intercity pax rail trip in Germany, France UK.... Brand new trains from private companies, continuous welded rail, tamp'ed to perfection, HS signalling........Then take a ride on the Amtrak NE corridor & tell me I'm wrong.

[@LeahK2018]

It's not the mud between the rail you only need to remove, the mud under the tie is a issue.

[@ccrx6700]

It would be nice if we had an undercutter here that could do that wouldn't it. But since we don't then have to do the next best thing which is crib. Thank you for taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

[@terencechevalier5756]

Lol looks like half my subs. No not that bad. A few spots lol 😆 😂

[@ccrx6700]

All railroads have problems, heavy pounding of the trains just can't keep everything perfect all the time. Do what you can with the time, manpower and machinery you've got. Thanks my friend for checking out the mud today.

[@richardbause2453]

Dave, I'll send you the pictures 📷 of MP-4 on the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley RR. When it gets that bad, the 4 R's come into play; Remove, Regrade, Reset, Reballest. That's what we're looking to do at Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley RR. Lot quicker and that looks about the same distance that we plan to do. Have to do the switch first at the station 🚉. Stay safe. Richard Bause

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks Richard. Got 3 more videos on this work coming out next, it's beautiful track now. Really appreciate your visiting with us and taking in the presentation my friend.

[@richardbause2453]

@@ccrx6700 your welcome Dave. Catch up with you later and stay safe. Good night 😴 🌃 🌙.

[@randydobson1863]

HELLO DAVE ITS IS RANDY AND I LIKE U VIDEO IS COOL DAVE THANKS DAVE FRIENDS RANDY

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks Randy, really glad you liked the show. Always great to see you visit with me my friend.

[@edwardmeegan1849]

Too bad that you don't have access to a Jordan Spreader or a Harsco ditcher

[@ccrx6700]

One can always use better and bigger equipment on the RR, but until such beasts show up just have to work with what we have. Very much appreciate your dropping in on us and checking out the video Edward.

[@garthmcgibbon4285]

I think ballast is going up just like other stuff!

[@ccrx6700]

Be cool to find something that actually went down in price now a days wouldn't it. Probably be something no one wants tho....LOL

[@mustralineabsorbine5082]

Interesting. Now I understand how hot weather affects rails so that "sun kinks" occur. Who would have thought 136 lbs. rail would get kinked by heat. Thanks. :)

[@ccrx6700]

Glad to hear you enjoyed and found something out mustraline. We really appreciate all your great support of the channel for such a long time now my friend.

[@raypitts4880]

@@ccrx6700 iv heard that railways like curves to take out some of the expansion also a pain for traction pulling curves.

[@billsmith3195]

Great one again Dave. Keep em a coming. Enjoy them.

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you Bill, glad you enjoyed, Sorry for the late reply, YT doesn't always send me stuff right away, go figure. Hope you are doing well my friend.,

[@whoever6458]

Sounds like you all got hit by Murphy's Law. Happens to me all the time.

[@ccrx6700]

It happens but that's railroading. All RR's have their own unique problems to deal with, mud is one of ours. Thank you for watching and may you have a most blessed day my friend.

[@whoever6458]

@@ccrx6700 There used to be a lot of flooded around here when it actually did rain but the Army Corp of Engineers came and improved the wash so that it stopped undercutting nearly up to the tracks. It's a two track line that handles some 30+ trains per day around here and I've seen the water get oh so close to the tracks! We also get earthquakes, which might cause the tracks to sink at best and bend them at worst if they happen to cross the fault that moves. I'm so glad there are censors for that because I'd hate for an engineer to be caught unawares.

[@wasted-blaster.]

That's one hell of a wet bed site you have!! Remember when removing wet beds dig down 2" below the sleeper bottom and back fill with clean used ballast using a fork only to allow any contamination to be fall away. How are you keeping the top and line faults down? Also where is your PWAY gang at?

[@ccrx6700]

When cribbing in really bad mud I do dig several inches up to 4 inches below the bottom of the tie, then lift track up with tamper. This section when completed will have it's grade about 10 inches higher than where it is in the video. I'm not familiar with the terms top and line faults, am assuming it's UK terms? I would like to know what you are meaning. We are very limited on the number of people we have to work this track so I am the gang for the most part with an occasional regulator operator.

[@wasted-blaster.]

@@ccrx6700 yeah top and line faults are uk terms it's what we call voiding faults,tight gauges, twist faults etc I would love to do a working holiday with you we could sort that track out in 4 night shifts!

[@290wayne]

Another fine video. Thanks Dave..

[@ccrx6700]

Thank you very much Wayne, so good of you to write in and take the time to watch my friend.

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

Like the videos. Please keep them coming

[@ccrx6700]

Glad to hear you are having a good time with us Charlie. Appreciate very much your taking the time to watch my friend.

[@derrickanderson4932]

Keep cool and stay safe Great Video Dave.

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks Derrick. Very glad you liked the show. Always great to have you pay me a visit my friend.

[@kennethmcclure29]

Sir? How far down underneath the rail is the ballast? Thanx Ken from gpt ms

[@ccrx6700]

A tie is 7 inches thick Ken and then the ballast under the ties varies considerably from section to section, here there was not much ballast at all left under the ties. I like at least a foot of ballast under the ties, that's usually how deep they go with an undercutter machine under the ties. Some places on our track we have 3 to 4 feet of ballast under the ties that's because those were long wall mined under and had to build up ballast to keep track to original grade. At least with 3 feet of ballast, there 's no mud!

[@kennethmcclure29]

Thanx for the information. Ken from gpt ms

[@hughgautier3894]

What would happen if you put in a French drain? I know it's just a thought but I know it works for moving water away from areas that you don't want it.

[@ccrx6700]

I've always said if I was going to build new track construction, I'd put a drain right down the center line of the track. Only problem would be finding perforated pipe that would be strong enough not to crush. Not sure even schedule 40 pipe wouldn't crush, that's a lot of weight above it. Thanks so much Hugh for joining us today for the show my friend.

[@mickryan2450]

Shoulder cleaner does rhat

[@viewericeberg]

Is there any way to guess how many snakes you encounter in a season?

[@ccrx6700]

LOL, seems like some years we see and a lot an some years we never see any Mr. Stray Dog. Someday I'm gonna make a snake on the RR video, I got a lot of stories to tell about them here. Really appreciate your stopping by and taking in the video my friend.

[@SR-bh5jd]

When 6 of one, or, half a dozen of another is different.

[@ccrx6700]

Sounds about right for this section of track SR. :-) Thank you very much for taking the time to visit with us and check out the worst section of track video my friend.

[@billmoran3812]

Dave, how many trains do they run each day?

[@ccrx6700]

When they are running steady Bill there are 6 round trips in a 24 hour period running 1 train. Everyone is happy when they run good coal like that, lately there are problems underground and it's been about half that amount. Thanks so much my friend for checking out the show today.

[@jasonoliver5388]

There is always something to do on the railroad

[@ccrx6700]

Yes sir Jason, it never ends, but that's railroading. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

[@Nunya_Bidnez]

I noticed my local rail doing this way worse. The spikes where out in spots and visibly going up and down left and right of a small bridge. Not good. Should I report it to CSX and if so How?

[@rearspeaker6364]

its designed to derail, its the CSX motto!!

[@ccrx6700]

CSX is supposed to have track inspectors, however if you feel there may be an accident there, then report it. A phone call costs nothing and it may save a life or a huge expensive derailment. At all road crossings CSX has a sign with a phone number on it to report possible problems. Be sure and give them the bridge number or mile post if you know it.

[@Airman..]

3:54 great footage of rail dynamics

[@ccrx6700]

Glad you enjoyed the show Airman. We really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

[@tomedgar4375]

Thanks Dave for another great video

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks Tom. Very glad you liked the show. Always great to have you pay me a visit my friend.

[@JustMe-dv5ix]

Hay do I see a inspection car in the bushes, possibly a Fairmont?

[@ccrx6700]

Would be cool if we had a speeder here JustMe, but we don't and most likely never will. Thanks for taking the time to visit with us to check out the video my friend.

[@JustMe-dv5ix]

@@ccrx6700 I have a 1969 Fairmont MT 19-A It ran on the Livingston section in Montana for the NP just before Burlington took over NP becoming BN. Then the Speeder was sent to the Missoula section untill the late 1980's where they were replaced High rails. I purchased it from a Fellow John Chase in Great falls in 2019. Here is a video of me buying it from John, you may be intrested. By the way I no very little about Railroading, I joind NARCOA and plan on running with a couple groups this year. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4ndommDnsaFhaMsi=kfXEN6aE42X5xcTW

[@osvaldorivera2269]

Keep doing your best 👍👍

[@ccrx6700]

Thanks Osvaldo for the encouragement. Yep gotta just keep on keepin on. Really appreciate your stopping in on us and taking in the video today my friend.

[@AllanLoveJr]

Sound like he was in Notch 3

[@ccrx6700]

Your pretty good Allan! Depending on the operator, they are in 3 to 5 when going thru there loaded. Really appreciate your taking the time to stop by and watch tonight my good man.

[@opieshomeshop]

Too bad that track can't be completely removed in sections and the whole section dug out and new ballast added. It seems that mud would be risking a tip over as well when a train goes over it.

[@royreynolds108]

The track can be sledded or undercut which is essentially the same thing. Sledding is digging out a length of track deep enough to slide a plow device that is the sled under the track. It is pulled by one or more locomotives that plows the ballast out from under the ties to outside of the ties and leaves a relatively smooth surface for the track to settle back onto. Immediately new ballast is dumped onto the track, raised, lined, and tamped. Undercutting is inserting a continuous chain under the track which pulls the ballast and dirt out from under the track and into a vibratory screen device that separates ballast above a certain size from the dirt while depositing the cleaned ballast back into the track and dumping the dirt either into rail cars or onto the right of way for disposal. New ballast added as needed to the track, raised, tamped, and lined. Sledding usually is better at getting rid of wet conditions and undercutting is better for more dry conditions.

[@ccrx6700]

Yes David we have done that in the past a few sections, move the track over then bull doze everything out. But it takes down time for the train not running, several days to do it all and we simply were not given time or money or man power to do it. Couple more videos coming out you will see how beautiful the track now is. I'm like you. You make these awesome gadgets out of nothing in your shop and I make great looking track out of nothing but garbage.

[@ROBARAce]

I see nails. Why nails? Its not safe

[@ccrx6700]

All 16.8 miles of our track have spikes Robarace. That was the way the track was built in 1977. Spikes certainly are not the best fastening system out there I will agree, but it's what we have and keeping good ties is key to having spikes hold. We have an excellent tie replacement program here and that is a good thing. Want to say how very much I appreciate your taking the time to check out the video and write in my friend.