Abstract: A machine for the renewal of sleepers of a track having rails and for the cleaning of exposed ballast after removal of old sleepers, includes a machine frame which is movable on a rail bogie on the track, a screening plant and a clearing device having a collection device for collecting ballast. A sleeper transport device includes a sleeper gripper, rotatable about a vertical axis, between two end-positioned rail bogies, connected to the machine frame, and being displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the machine. The sleeper transport device is displaceable from a front end position (with respect to a working direction) provided for picking up new sleepers by the collection device for collecting ballast, to a rear end position configured to deposit the new sleepers.

Abstract: The invention provides novel railroad ties manufactured from novel composite materials that possess excellent physical and performance characteristics matching or exceeding existing concrete RRTs. The RRTs of the invention can be readily produced from widely available, low cost raw materials by a process suitable for large-scale production with improved energy consumption and more desirable carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact.

Abstract: An auto-powered mobile machine with controls for a riding operator and a system for carrying and making efficient use of a variety of attachable tools. Most of the tools operate in a linear fashion and are most effective when held to one side of the machine with respect to its direction of movement. The machine includes wheels or tracks, a mounting base for attaching a controllable tool and, above the mounting base, a swivel on which sits an operator's seat and controls. An articulating arm is attached above the swivel so the operator may operate in a coordinated way a lower tool which does not swivel and an upper tool which does swivel to accomplish a job more efficiently than it could be accomplished using tools separately mounted one at a time. Wireless radio communication from the controls to the lower tool may allow the swivel to spin any number of times without limitation.

Abstract: A railroad tie removal machine for removing a railroad tie from beneath a pair of rails. The machine includes a movable frame, wherein when the frame is in a stationary location, a workspace is defined with respect to the stationary frame. A tie shear workhead and a kicker workhead are both mounted to the frame. The tie shear workhead includes two sets of shears configured and arranged to divide the tie into a center portion and two outer portions. The kicker workhead includes at least one kicker configured and arranged to outwardly kick corresponding outer portions of the cut tie from under the associated rail.

Abstract: A stabilizer is disclosed for use in stabilizing and maintaining the spacing between a pair of railway rails during rail tie replacement. The stabilizer comprises a rod having a length and a pair of ends. A pair of rail clamps is carried by the rod, and each clamp is configured to engage one of the rails and secure the rail relative to the rod. An expanding member is carried by the rod and configured to selectively expand along the length of the rod between its ends to engage a structure proximal to the rails, wherein, upon engagement of the rails by the rail clamps and the expanding member with the structure, the rails are maintained in substantially fixed relationship to each other and to the structure, but are free to be moved vertically relative to the structure.

Abstract: A railroad tie removal machine for removing a railroad tie from beneath a pair of rails. The machine includes a movable frame, wherein when the frame is in a stationary location, a workspace is defined with respect to the stationary frame. A tie shear workhead and a kicker workhead are both mounted to the frame. The tie shear workhead includes two sets of shears configured and arranged to divide the tie into a center portion and two outer portions. The kicker workhead includes at least one kicker configured and arranged to outwardly kick corresponding outer portions of the cut tie from under the associated rail.

Abstract: A cribbing work head including a work head frame having a longitudinal extent and a lateral extent. At least two inverted U-shaped work arms are mounted parallel to one another on the work head frame and spaced longitudinally from each other for lateral reciprocating movement on the frame, each of the work arms having a replaceable tool secured to each free end of the inverted U-shaped work arm. A separate fluid power double cylinder is secured to the work head frame and to each of the inverted U-shape work arms for independently laterally reciprocating the work arms. A main cylinder of each of said fluid power double cylinders is operable to laterally reciprocatingly move a respective work arm and a secondary cylinder of each of the fluid power double cylinders operable to move a respective work arm to one of two discrete lateral starting points.

Abstract: A railroad tie hardware removing apparatus and methods are provided. The apparatus includes one or more tool mechanisms each carrying one or more tools. The tools are positionable relative to a mounting structure or tower of a concrete railroad tie to remove the tower therefrom. Once the towers are removed, the tie can be pulled from underneath rails supported by the tie.

Abstract: The invention relates to the track-bound carrying out of works on a or for a railway track, such as earthworks, rail works, overhead wiring and signaling works, sleeper laying, sleeper replacement and the like, the devices (7-12) for carrying out the works forming a transport unit (15) or being accommodated in a transport unit (15) and the transport unit being detachably fastenable to a track vehicle (1), especially a railroad car.

Abstract: A machine for renovating a track includes the following: a transverse chain segment of an excavating chain is designed shorter than a crosstie length of new crossties. A ballast plow is disposed relative to a longitudinal machine axis between the transverse chain segment of the excavating chain and the device for placing the new crossties. A width—extending normal to the longitudinal machine axis—of the ballast plow is designed greater than the crosstie length of the new crossties.

Abstract: A machine for renovating a track has a machine frame made of a main frame and an auxiliary frame connected by a hinge to the main frame at its front end. The main frame is connected at the end thereof to a multi-axis railway chassis, and to a tracked chassis in the area of a front end thereof. The auxiliary frame is supported by a railway chassis on the track at a front end at a distance from the hinge.

Abstract: A railroad tie hardware removing apparatus and methods are provided. The apparatus includes one or more tool mechanisms each carrying one or more tools. The tools are positionable relative to a mounting structure or tower of a concrete railroad tie to remove the tower therefrom. Once the towers are removed, the tie can be pulled from underneath rails supported by the tie.

Abstract: A machine (1) for picking up and storing rail fastenings (2) of a track (3) includes two rail fastening pickup devices (9). Arranged between these and a rear on-track undercarriage (4)—with regard to a working direction (6)—is a crawler track (24). At each longitudinal side of the machine, two devices (29) for guiding rails (30) are provided which are adjustable by drives (28) relative to the machine frame (5) and arranged one following the other in the longitudinal direction of the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a railroad tie manufactured from plastic (2), wherein at least two steel bars (3) are embedded in the plastic and wherein the steel bars extend in longitudinal direction of the plastic railroad tie (1) and wherein specimens of the bars (3) situated in operative condition at different heights in the railroad tie are free from mutual connections other than by the plastic. The plastic (2) is Low Density Polyethylene.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of removing half ties from vaults in a railway bed, including detaching a section of rail from one or more of the underlying half ties of the railway bed. A section of rail may be elevated above the railway bed. In the alternate, the half ties may be cut at positions flanking the rail to form sectioned half ties. A tool of a hydraulic hammer is inserted along one of the half ties until the tool approaches a bottom edge of the half tie. The angle of the tool is lowered to a substantially horizontal angle. The tool is advanced substantially horizontally to free the first one of the half ties from the railway bed and the first one of the half ties is then removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the simultaneous removal of an old railroad tie that is part of an existing railroad tie with a new railroad tie. The apparatus includes a first railroad car that places a new tie adjacent to the existing railroad track, a second railroad car which picks up and removes an old railroad tie after it has been replaced with the new railroad tie, and a third railroad car located between the first car and second car which has a hydraulic actuator that uses the new tie to simultaneously push out the old tie from under the railroad track and place into position the new tie. The first car has a conveyor that removes a new tie from the first car and places it in a location that is end-to-end adjacent to the old tie. The third car, using the hydraulic actuator takes the new tie and uses it to push the old tie out from under the railroad track and simultaneously place the new tie in proper position.

Abstract: A track renewal machine is equipped with a ballast conveyor band extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged between upper and lower tie transport units and between ballast receiving means and ballast distributing means. The ballast conveyor band has a discharge end positioned rearwardly of a device for laying new rails, in the operating direction. A device for spacing the new ties from each other is positioned rearwardly of the ballast conveyor band discharge end in the operating direction.

Abstract: An undercutter apparatus for scooping out contaminated gravel from beneath railroad tracks is designed for use off of the rail road tracks. It can be used when the grade of the ground adjacent to the railroad tracks is quite different from the grade of the railroad tracks. The apparatus includes a control head mounted on an excavator with the control head carrying hydraulically operated means for pivoting the undercutter bar 180° about a vertical axis; for pivoting the distal end of the undercutter bar up and down relative to the proximal end of the undercutter bar approximately 60° above or below in normal horizontal position; and for driving a continuous loop undercutter chain around the undercutter frame for dragging out the contaminated gravel. The undercover apparatus can be a locked into any selected position within these ranges of motion controlled by the control head, or additional positions controlled by operation of the excavator boom and used in that position.

Abstract: The invention relates to the replacement of old ties of a railway track by new ties. This aim can be achieved by spreading the two rails apart from each other. The reception of ballast gravel for producing a recess of ballast is carried out in a region below of the sleeper head of a ballast bed, which is located adjacent to the region of the old sleepers along their longitudinal axis. The received ballast gravel is temporarily stored and, once the new sleepers have been deposited, thrown off for the purpose of ballasting. In parallel and prior to the deposit of new sleepers, excess ballast gravel is ploughed in the recess of ballast so as to produce a leveled surface of ballast.

Abstract: A method of efficiently delivering replacement railway ties for use in replacing ties that have deteriorated. GPS technology is used to obtain the GPS location of each tie that needs to be replaced. A tie train carrying replacement ties has a GPS monitor so that one or more ties can be unloaded at or near the location of each tie that requires replacement. A tie replacement crew can use a GPS monitor to locate each tie that requires replacement, and the crew can remove those ties and install a nearby replacement tie.

Abstract: A lightweight portable ratcheting device allows a single workmen to remove a worn railroad tie in a more efficient and productive manner in about half the time now required by work crews using hand tools even in an inaccessible area.

Abstract: A rail plate handling device is provided for removing plates located on rail ties on a railroad track having a pair of rails, and includes a frame configured for movement relative to the track, at least one tie plate gripping assembly mounted to the frame, the assembly configured for grasping a selected tie plate, pulling the plate away from the rail and away from the tie, and subsequently releasing the plate onto the track. The device is mounted upon a cart which is movable on the track, and features gripping assemblies for working on both rails. A tie jack is preferably provided for ensuring the release of the tie from the gripped plate. Still another feature of the present device is a plate height mechanism associated with each gripping assembly for ensuring that the gripping assembly engages the plates at the proper height.

Abstract: A laying machine is provided for repair and construction of railway tracks. The laying machine includes a frame, railway trucks, upper and lifting mechanisms for lifting and laying switches and railway sections, two rods connected at the lower part of the frame, and two power cylinders. The laying machine also includes a bracket-swing crane and a retractable support with a pusher, which removes the third rail from the railway section surface. The present invention allows reducing the cost of repair works.

Abstract: In a machine for removing an old track and laying a new track, which comprises a device for receiving old ties, a first conveyor device arranged adjacent thereto for conveying the old ties away from the device for receiving the old ties, and a second conveyor device for conveying new ties to a device for laying new ties, a transfer device having a power-driven, vertically adjustable transfer element for selectively transferring old ties from the first to the second conveyor device is arranged.

Abstract: A combined tie extractor and plate remover for railroad track maintenance includes a frame configured for movement along the track and having a first side corresponding to a first side of the track and a second side corresponding to a second side of the track, each side of the track having a corresponding rail. A rail lifting apparatus associated with the frame is configured for lifting a selected one of the first and second rails away from the track. A plate remover assembly associated with the frame is configured for grasping and removing tie plates associated with each side of the track from a selected tie. At least one tie extracting assembly is disposed on the frame for extracting the gripped tie transversely relative to the track in conjunction with the removal of the tie plates.

Abstract: A riding rail tie plugging apparatus for plugging spike holes in ties on a railroad track includes a frame provided with wheels for supporting and moving the frame along the track. At least one reservoir is disposed in operational relationship to the frame for dispensing a supply of chemical tie-plugging solution. At least one applicator gun is in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir for dispensing the solution into the holes. At least one operator station is on the frame in operational relationship to the track and to the at least one applicator gun so that the at least one applicator gun is directly positionable by an operator disposed at the station for dispensing the epoxy solution into selected ones of the holes.

Abstract: A machine picks up ties from a ballast bed of a track while advancing continuously in an operating direction. A machine frame carries a tie transport unit onto which a tie pick-up device transports the ties. The pick-up device has tie skids immersed in the ballast bed for supporting the ties to be lifted. The tie skids are extended backward by a tie sliding track on which the underside of the ties is supported and the ties are slid to the tie transport unit. The tie sliding track extends in the longitudinal direction and it has a transfer end at which the ties are transferred to a receiving end of the tie transport unit. An endless transporting chain with tie engaging members shifts the ties from the ballast bed to the receiving end of the tie transport unit. The transporting chain has a lower deflection end that lies ahead of its upper deflection end and it extends along a reference line that encloses an acute angle with the ballast bed.

Abstract: Prior to renewing a damaged tie of a track, a fastening element (35) is inserted into an anchoring hole (49) in both portions of the base plate (39), disposed respectively adjacent to the rail base (52), and has a contact nose (51) for abutment against the rail base (52). Subsequently, the fastening element (35) is welded to the base plate (39) so that the base plate remain in its correct disposition with respect to the rail (23) during the tie renewal.

Abstract: A machine for continuously removing old ties of a railroad track supported on a ballast bed includes a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction along the track. Undercarriages support the machine frame for mobility in an operating direction. An apparatus for picking up old ties from the ballast bed is mounted on the machine frame, and a conveyor device for transporting away the picked-up old ties in the longitudinal direction is associated with said apparatus. A tie displacement device having a pushing member is positioned ahead of—with regard to the operating direction—the apparatus for picking up old ties. Drives are, provided for adjusting the pushing member vertically and transversely to the longitudinal direction in order to push an old tie laterally out of the track and onto a ballast bed shoulder.

Abstract: In a method of renewing ties of a railroad track extending in a longitudinal direction and including a succession of ties supported on a ballast bed, damaged old ties are comminuted either before removal from the track or after removal of the track and subsequently ejected into a storage wagon by a first conveyor device extending longitudinally in the direction of the track. The comminuted ties are then transported via a second conveyor device, extending in the longitudinal direction, to a number of further like storage wagons arranged behind one another, for selectively filling the further storage wagons, whereas new tie replace the removed damaged ties.

Abstract: A railway tie insertion system includes a guide plate having an easily adjustable height, and in many embodiments including a pair of side guides. The tie plate extends for substantially the entire distance between the rails, thereby minimizing the escape of ballast. During insertion of a tie, the tie guide plate and associated side guides provide guide surfaces along three sides of the inserted tie, thereby ensuring that the tie is inserted perpendicular to the pair of rails.

Abstract: A tie plugger riding station which includes a main frame assembly, a seat assembly coupled to the frame assembly, at least one rail wheel coupled to the frame assembly, an articulated wheel assembly, and a coupling device structured to couple the frame assembly to a plugging machine. The articulated wheel assembly includes a truss frame assembly having a main pivot coupling and at least two wheel member pivot couplings. The truss frame assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly at the main pivot coupling. The two wheel members are each pivotally coupled to the truss frame assembly at a wheel member pivot coupling.

Abstract: A machine for continuously removing old ties of a railroad track supported on a ballast bed includes a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction along the track. Undercarriages support the machine frame for mobility in an operating direction. An apparatus for picking up old ties from the ballast bed is mounted on the machine frame, and a conveyor device for transporting away the picked-up old ties in the longitudinal direction is associated with said apparatus. A tie displacement device having a pushing member is positioned ahead of—with regard to the operating direction—the apparatus for picking up old ties. Drives are, provided for adjusting the pushing member vertically and transversely to the longitudinal direction in order to push an old tie laterally out of the track and onto a ballast bed shoulder.

Abstract: A combined tie extractor and plate remover for railroad track maintenance includes a frame configured for movement along the track and having a first side corresponding to a first side of the track and a second side corresponding to a second side of the track, each side of the track having a corresponding rail. A rail lifting apparatus associated with the frame is configured for lifting a selected one of the first and second rails away from the track. A plate remover assembly associated with the frame is configured for grasping and removing tie plates associated with each side of the track from a selected tie. At least one tie extracting assembly is disposed on the frame for extracting the gripped tie transversely relative to the track in conjunction with the removal of the tie plates.

Abstract: A machine for removing an old track and laying a new track includes a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and supported by undercarriages for mobility in an operating direction. A tie laying device for laying new ties is mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages. A tie conveyor unit extending in the longitudinal direction includes a first conveying section, having a tie receiving end positioned ahead of the tie laying device in the operating direction and a transfer end positioned behind the tie laying device, and a second conveying section, positioned underneath the first conveying section, for receiving ties from the transfer end. The second conveying section has a delivery end positioned immediately behind the tie laying device in the operating direction.

Abstract: A machine for removing an old track and for simultaneously laying a new track on a ballast bed, which comprises a first tie transport apparatus for receiving the old ties, and a second tie transport apparatus for delivering new ties and laying the new ties. A lifting device may be selectively placed in an operating position on the first or the second tie transport apparatus for insertion between the ballast bed and an old tie for engaging the old tie and lifting it off the ballast bed. This may be done by selectively coupling the lifting device to a respective tie transport apparatus, or by driving the lifting device on each tie transport apparatus between operative and inoperative positions.

Abstract: A rail tie replacement apparatus that includes a frame having a first side associated with a first side of a railroad track, and a second side associated with a second side of a railroad track; gripping mechanisms disposed on each of the sides of the frame and configured for grasping rail ties located in the track; and extending members attached to the gripping mechanisms and the frame. The extending members include a first extending member and a second extending member in a non-axial relationship to each other, and configured for positioning the gripping mechanisms relative to the rail ties. The apparatus further includes fluid powered cylinders attached to the extending members and the frame that are configured to facilitate the reciprocal movement of the extending members.

Abstract: A rail tie replacement apparatus that includes a frame having a first side associated with a first side of a railroad track, and a second side associated with a second side of a railroad track; gripping mechanisms disposed on each of the sides of the frame and configured for grasping rail ties located in the track; and extending members attached to the gripping mechanisms and the frame. The extending members include a first extending member and a second extending member in a non-axial relationship to each other, and configured for positioning the gripping mechanisms relative to the rail ties. The apparatus further includes fluid powered cylinders attached to the extending members and the frame that are configured to facilitate the reciprocal movement of the extending members.

Abstract: A track renewal machine includes an elongate machine frame supported by undercarriages on the track and having front and rear frame parts connected by a frame joint. In an upper region, the frame parts are interconnected by a drive by which the frame parts can be spread apart and raised in a vertical direction at the frame joint. A rotatable endless ballast clearing device is mounted between tie lifting and tie laying devices which are mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages. A first conveyor cooperates with the ballast clearing device for transporting away removed ballast, and a second conveyor for transporting ballast has a discharge end arranged between the ballast clearing device and the tie laying device. A ballast discharge device is associated with the discharge end of the second conveyor, and a vertically adjustable ballast planing device is arranged between the ballast clearing and tie laying devices.

Abstract: In a method of renewing ties of a railroad track extending in a longitudinal direction and including a succession of ties supported on a ballast bed, damaged old ties are comminuted either before removal from the track or after removal of the track and subsequently ejected into a storage wagon by a first conveyor device extending longitudinally in the direction of the track. The comminuted ties are then transported via a second conveyor device, extending in the longitudinal direction, to a number of further like storage wagons arranged behind one another, for selectively filling the further storage wagons, whereas new tie replace the removed damaged ties.

Abstract: A track renewal machine includes an elongate machine frame supported by undercarriages on the track and having front and rear frame parts connected by a frame joint. In an upper region, the frame parts are interconnected by a drive by which the frame parts can be spread apart and raised in a vertical direction at the frame joint. A rotatable endless ballast clearing device is mounted between tie lifting and tie laying devices which are mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages. A first conveyor cooperates with the ballast clearing device for transporting away removed ballast, and a second conveyor for transporting ballast has a discharge end arranged between the ballast clearing device and the tie laying device. A ballast discharge device is associated with the discharge end of the second conveyor, and a vertically adjustable ballast planing device is arranged between the ballast clearing and tie laying devices.

Abstract: A track renewal machine includes an mobile machine frame having a ballast chute on a machine end. A tie laying device for laying new ties and a tie lifting device for picking up old ties are mounted on the machine frame, and a ballast clearing device for taking up ballast is arranged following the tie lifting device in an operating direction. A first conveyor transports ballast to the machine end and is disposed behind the ballast clearing device, and a ballast planing device is mounted on the machine frame immediately ahead of the tie laying device. A second conveyor extends on the machine frame in longitudinal direction thereof and has a receiving end positioned at the machine end and a discharge end arranged above the ballast planing apparatus. Cleaned ballast can thus be received from either a screening car or from a storage wagon coupled to the machine.

Abstract: A machine for removing an old track and laying a new track includes a machine frame extending in a longitudinal direction and supported by undercarriages for mobility in an operating direction. A tie laying device for laying new ties is mounted on the machine frame between the undercarriages. A tie conveyor unit extending in the longitudinal direction includes a first conveying section, having a tie receiving end positioned ahead of the tie laying device in the operating direction and a transfer end positioned behind the tie laying device, and a second conveying section, positioned underneath the first conveying section, for receiving ties from the transfer end. The second conveying section has a delivery end positioned immediately behind the tie laying device in the operating direction.

Abstract: A crib ballast clearing machine comprises a machine frame supported on undercarriages adapted to support the machine frame on a track comprised of rails fastened to ties defining cribs therebetween, and a ballast scarifying device comprising a revolvable endless excavating chain vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame for removing ballast from a respective one of the cribs between the rails, a drive for revolving the endless excavating chain, and a displacement drive for vertically adjusting the endless excavating chain. The endless excavating chain has a lowermost ballast receiving part being immersible in ballast in the crib between the rails upon vertical adjustment of the endless excavating chain.

Abstract: A railway maintenance vehicle exchanges worn crossties for new ones. Worn ties are collected and placed on an increased capacity storage car which permits ties to be placed atop the storage cars in a lateral orientation. New ties are simultaneously unloaded from the storage cars for distribution along the track. Tie transport and loading vehicles such as a gantry crane travel on rails atop the storage cars to move worn and new ties between a tie pick up car and a tie distribution car which has a tie ejector for laterally propelling ties fed to it on a queuing conveyor. The tie ejector has an endless drive chain with two striker plates attached at opposite ends and opposite sides such that they cannot interfere. The outward and downward trajectory of ejected ties is adjustable by a movable deflector shield.

Abstract: Before replacing an old tie with a new tie in a railroad track, the associated tie plates are temporarily welded to the respective rail bases of the two rails with the aid of an old rail spike.

Abstract: A tie ejector distributes new ties to be installed along a railway track, from a tie distribution car of a rail carried tie exchange vehicle. New ties are moved from a gondola cars to a conveyor at the rear of the tie distribution car leading to the tie ejector. The tie ejector has an endless drive chain on rotatable sprockets on a frame. Two striker plates are attached to the drive chain at opposite ends and opposite sides so that they cannot interfere. One is always on the rear when the other is on the front ejecting a tie by propelling it laterally relative to the conveyor. The trajectory of the tie is adjustable using a movable deflection shield attached to the frame, specifically to adjust the downward deflection angle. The tie ejector can be manually actuated by an operator while the tie distribution car is advanced, to drop ties next to the track at a predetermined and repeatable position relative to passing empty tie cribs.

Abstract: An apparatus grips tie plates and guides new ties during replacement of worn out ties in the road bed of a railroad track. Mechanical grip elements grip tie plates and secure them against the rail, while an old tie is removed and a new tie is inserted. A spring arrangement automatically self-centers opposing pairs of grip elements. That is, when beginning to grip a tie plate, each pair of mechanical grip elements will automatically center about the tie plate prior to securely gripping the tie plate and without moving the tie plate. The grip elements are supported by an apparatus frame. A frame lifter moves the apparatus frame vertically between an upper and a lower position relative to a vehicle frame of a tie replacer vehicle. A tie guide includes rollers on the underside thereof for minimizing friction between ties being inserted and the tie guide. Sweepers are mounted to the apparatus frame to clean off a tie as it is being inserted.

Abstract: A tie exchange attachment for removing and installing track and switch ties having a clamp for gripping the ties for removal and insertion. Rail clamps are used to lift rails during removal and installation. A kicker is used to break the tie loose. The rail clamp is adjustable to adapt to track and switch ties.

Abstract: The subject invention is an improved apparatus structured and adapted to support rail wheels on an over-the-road vehicle that is adapted accordingly to ride over railroad rails as well as over the ground on roadways, such apparatus being adapted to support as well as raise or lower the railroad wheels as needed for such purpose, and with a basic structure comprising one or more vertically disposed support members affixed to the main frame of the vehicle, there being affixed to each such vertically disposed support members affixed to the main frame of the vehicle, a reciprocally movable lifting arm, each such support member having a rail wheel affixed to the lower end of each such lifting arm, with the lowest movable extent of such lifting arm adapted to position the affixed rail wheel to the rail level, with the extreme upper vertical movement of such lifting arm being positioned away from the rail in the retracted position so that the vehicle can travel over the road or ground without impediment from the rai