Uploaded June 2007 | Updated September 2026, 15 hours ago
Have you ever passed a track gang and wondered what all those machines actually do? Here's your answer and more. You'll visit a tie replacement and surfacing gang to witness the amazing parade of equipment as it progresses down the track. Closeup shots explain what each machine does. Then you'll tour a major shop to see in detail how coal hoppers are built. Next you're off to view undercutting machines cleaning ballast on BNSF.
Did you ever wonder what it's like to work as a dispatcher? You'll visit a Norfolk Southern facility where the chief dispatcher explains the operation. Returning to BNSF, you'll see one of the most awesome pieces of railroad equipment: the P-811 concrete tie layer. This gigantic device lifts welded rails from the ties and forces them to both sides of the machine. It then removes old ties from the right of way, replaces them with new ones, and puts the rails back in place, all in one continuous movement. It's an absolutely fascinating, complex apparatus. You're sure to enjoy this and all of the other exotic equipment!
Have you ever passed a track gang and wondered what all those machines actually do? Here's your answer and more. You'll visit a tie replacement and surfacing gang to witness the amazing parade of equipment as it progresses down the track. Closeup shots explain what each machine does. Then you'll tour a major shop to see in detail how coal hoppers are built. Next you're off to view undercutting machines cleaning ballast on BNSF.
Did you ever wonder what it's like to work as a dispatcher? You'll visit a Norfolk Southern facility where the chief dispatcher explains the operation. Returning to BNSF, you'll see one of the most awesome pieces of railroad equipment: the P-811 concrete tie layer. This gigantic device lifts welded rails from the ties and forces them to both sides of the machine. It then removes old ties from the right of way, replaces them with new ones, and puts the rails back in place, all in one continuous movement. It's an absolutely fascinating, complex apparatus. You're sure to enjoy this and all of the other exotic equipment!
