The CWR Train
What this Train does.....
The CWR or Continuous Welded Rail train, is used to transport on average, usually about 9 miles of welded rail, carried in ¼ mile lengths.
The rail is 'pulled off" the train, by first pulling a single stick of rail down to the edge of the roadbed. The end is then secured in place, to the existing track with a set of chains. The rail remains stationary as the train moves away from it. When the end of the current stick is reached, a "Fish Plate" is mounted to it and the next rail to go.
The train then continues down the line, repeating the process. At Grade (Road) Crossing, either one of two things will happen. At a major crossing, the rail is cut (torched) to keep the road clear. At a minor crossing (residential, example) the rail is buried with fill to allow usage of the road, until the Rail replacement process begins.
Expand the photo for a closer look.....
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