Abstract: A method for correcting the track geometry of a track, includes measuring an initial track position of the track following lifting of the track and tamping under the track, and so computing a final desired track position as to eliminate long-wave alignment errors of the track geometry. Subsequently, corrective values are determined commensurate with a difference between the final desired track position and the initial track position, and the track is stabilized by lowering the track in a controlled manner into the final desired position and controlling in response to the corrective values the static load and/or transverse vibration acting on the track, thereby eliminating during track stabilization in particular long-wave geometrical track errors.

Abstract: Equipment for non-contact measurement of the deflection of a road (2) comprises a self-propelled vehicle with a load (7) which influences at least one wheel (4), the speed of which is measured in the direction of travel. The equipment further comprises a laser device (8) from which at least one electromagnetic beam (9) is directed towards the rodway in the vicinity of the vehicle, and the Doppler frequency change in the reflection (9) is detected. An electronic circuit (10) continuously registers the results of the measurements and herewith the deflection at normal traveling speed.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring anomalies in a railway system 400 to predict a future track behavior. The technique uses a motion sensor 207, 209 operably coupled to a chassis of a rail car 101 to detect a possibility of an event which may correspond to an anomaly in the railway system. A global positioning sensor (GPS) 213 operably coupled to the chassis detects a geographical location of the rail car 101 at a time corresponding to the event, which correlates the anomaly to the geographical location and the time. The technique also uses a processor 301 operably coupled to the motion sensor 207, 209 to direct a signal corresponding to the event and a recorder 215 operably coupled to the processor 301 to log the signal which may correspond to the anomaly and the geographical location of the rail car corresponding to the event. A central station 104 tracks and analyzes the anomaly over time to predict a possible defect in the railway system using a record of the events over time.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring height and stagger of a railway catenary is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a platform supported on the track having a distance measuring means mounted on a traversing means for angular or lateral displacement of the distance measuring means in a vertical plane transverse and perpendicular to the track. The apparatus has a means for measuring the displacement of the measuring means. The method comprises positioning the platform on the track beneath the catenary, traversing the distance measuring means through a displacement into an alignment along a line of sight with the catenary, measuring the distance to the catenary, measuring the displacement of the distance measuring means, and calculating the height and stagger from the distance and displacement measurements.

Abstract: A manual apparatus for facilitating railway track alignment and/or track profile measurements. The tool consists of two fastening units, each having a cord positioner designed to engage the rail head and to properly place a cord for measuring, a reel for storing and using the cord, and a direct reading ruler for measuring profile and alignment. Wherein, this manual tool can be used by a single person to quickly, effectively and accurately measure track profile and/or track alignment deviations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for accurately locating a train or a track repair vehicle along the track, or to locate accurately a track defect. When measuring track geometry, i.e. gage, cross level, warp, the measuring device moves foot by foot along the track and senses and stores a historical profile of various track geometry parameters. The historical profile is stored in a form usable in a processor in the geometry measuring equipment on a train or repair vehicle. The vehicle is run for a set distance to generate a real time profile which is correlated with the historical profile to get a match and a starting location. Then the vehicle proceeds foot by foot correlating the real time profile with the historical one so that an exact location on a specific track can be determined.

Abstract: A configuration for detecting gaps in a conductor rail for electric rail vehicles being fed through conductor rails, includes a proximity switch. A component of a current collector can be pressed against an activation element of the proximity switch if a gap in the conductor rail is present so that a conductor-rail gap signal can be produced in conjunction with an evaluation device, when there is an interrupted conductor rail. Alternatively, a proximity sensor can be used instead of a proximity switch. The proximity sensor can also detect a conductor rail directly without components of the current collector being involved in the detection.

Abstract: Wheels of rail vehicles are trued while the wheels are kept rotating about a wheel center of rotation that is continuously corrected to keep the center of rotation in a fixed position in response to eccentricities a wheel may have, especially in its outer circumference. For this purpose, a sensor for each wheel of two wheels forming a set senses a respective excursion of a center of rotation of each wheel being trued in a set to provide respective excursion signals which are supplied to a central processing unit that provides control signals to a power drive for wheel guide rollers which support the wheel set to be trued. The power drive applies wheel position adjusting force components, preferably directed radially relative to the respective wheel rotational axis in response to the control signals from the central processing unit whereby the excursions are compensated and the wheel rotation center is kept in a fixed position.

Abstract: A transducer for use in a railroad track maintenance chord reference system for measuring the vertical and horizontal position of the rails of the track. The transducer is carried by a carriage riding on the rails and provides a signal indicative of the offset between the reference chord and the rails. Each transducer includes a uncounterbalanced arm mounted to the transducer housing by a low friction carriage. The arm engages and follows a reference chord causing the arm to move as the carriage moves with respect to the chord. A linear displacement transducer is mounted within the housing to provide a signal indicative of the arm position and therefore indicative of the position of the rails.

Abstract: A detecting system for rail vehicles having at least one sprung rigid structure, for instance a bogie frame, and two axles, comprises photosensor position-detecting means applied to the structure and adapted to detect typical geometrical characteristics of the track and the relative position between the axles and the rails when the vehicle is running along the track and to supply electrical signals which are indicative of such geometrical characteristics and such relative position, and displacement detecting means also applied to the structure and adapted to detect relative displacements between the structure and the axles and to supply electrical signals indicative of these displacements. Electronic acquisition and processing means of these electrical signals provide a monitoring related to the configuration of the track and to the dynamic attitude of the structure and of the two axles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring circumferential characteristics of train wheels for potential indication of train wheel wear that includes at least one microwave transceiver disposed adjacent to a section of train track and oriented to transmit microwave energy toward and receive microwave energy reflected from a radially oriented surface of a train wheel that traverses the track section. Wheels are rolled along the track section in sequence while the transceiver is energized so as to transmit energy toward the wheel and develop a varying interference pattern of peaks (alternating minima and maxima) caused by reflection from the radially oriented surface of the wheel. The transceiver provides an electrical signal that varies as a function of such interference pattern, and one or more desired radial characteristics of the wheel are determined as a function of such signal.

Abstract: A device for measuring the straightness of a conductive object includes a plurality of capacitive distance sensors which are aligned along an axis of a ruler to be placed on the object. Circuits are provided for indicating the measurements provided by each sensor.

Abstract: System for monitoring the angle-of-attack of the wheelsets of a railway vehicle moving along a track section. The apparatus includes a rangefinder to repeatedly measure at known intervals the instanteous distance between a reference point and successive registering points on a face plate surface of a wheel of a passing wheelset. A detector generates a signal representative of the velocity of the wheel passing along the reference point. A computer receives the output signals generated by the velocity sensor and of the rangefinder to compute the angle-of-attack of each wheelset.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement (2) for continuously measuring undulatory irregularities in the running surface (4) of a rail (5) of a track (6) comprises a measuring trolley (1) having flanged wheels (8) which are able to roll on the track (6) and a trolley frame (7), and a distance detector (20) disposed on the trolley frame (7) for the contactless measurement of the distance from the rail (5), and a device (11) for recording, processing and issuing measurement signals. The distance detector (20) is mounted in a linear guide (13) connected to the trolley frame (7) so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction relative to the trolley frame (7) and so as to be vibration-damped.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the scanning of a profile, e.g. the cross-sectional profile of a train wheel (2,3), comprises a stationary part (11) which supports a first arm (22) and a second arm (23), the ends of said arms being coupled together by means of angle-encoding joints (20,21). One of the arms (23) comprises a free end with a measuring wheel (24) which is arranged to be moved in contact with the profile which is to be scanned.Both of the Joints (20,21) are electronic angle encoders which are coupled to a portable computer via an interface circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a railroad vehicle for measuring the parameters of a railroad track, characterized by the presence of third axles (13 and 23) with independent wheels and disposed between the main axles (11 and 12; 21 and 22) of the bogies (10 and 20) of the vehicle, and by the existence of a third bogie (30) having two axles (31 and 32) capable of undergoing relative angular displacement about a line passing through their centers, said third bogie (30) also having a third axle (39) with having independent wheels; the measurements are made by means of optical proximity meters and distance gauges.

Abstract: Apparatus for the non-contact measurement of the gage of a track comprises a machine frame equipped with undercarriages supporting the machine frame for mobility on the track and a wheel axle having wheels running on the track rails, and an optical sensor associated with each track rail and affixed to the wheel axle. Each sensor is mounted on the wheel axle and pivotal about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame, and each sensor emits a light beam capable of sensing the distance of the sensor from the associated rail without contact therewith. A stepping motor is connected to each sensor for pivoting the sensor about this axis, the stepping motor and connected sensor constituting a closed control circuit for calculating an angular position required for focussing the light beam on a location of the associated track rail having a constant vertical position and correspondingly pivoting the sensor with respect to the associated track rail into the calculated angular position.

Abstract: An alignment gauge to facilitate the measurement of welded joints and the alignment of elongated structures including beams, pipes, rails, such as train rails and trolley car rails. The alignment gauge has five basic components, a base, an upright member and three dial indicators. The dial indicators are fastened along the top of the base, one at the center and one to each side of the center equally spaced from the center. The dial indicators have actuating plungers which pass through openings in the base and protrude through the bottom of the base. The upright member is mounted to the top of the base. It protects the dial indicators. The bottom of the base is placed on a calibration standard and dial indicators are adjusted to zero by a zero adjustment. With the dial indicators adjusted to zero, the alignment gauge is placed on the elongated structure with its center over the welded joint. The base has a channel in the center of the bottom surface that provides clearance for the welded joint.

Abstract: In a machine for monitoring the vertical position of a contact wire of an overhead line extending above a track, which comprises a self-propelled machine frame including a superstructure, an undercarriage supporting the machine frame on the track and having wheels journaled on a wheel axle and engaging the running faces of the track rails, and a vertically adjustable measuring yoke mounted on the machine frame, a frame is vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame for monitoring the vertical position of the contact wire, the monitoring frame having an upper end and a device connected to the upper monitoring frame end for measuring the vertical position of the contact wire, and a lower end at a fixed distance from the plane.

Abstract: In order to determine a rail's neutral temperature, the length of an unconstrained piece of steel (or "gage") is compared with a similar length of railroad track rail which is constrained and thereby deflected at most temperatures because of the track structure's tie-in to the earth's surface. The gage represents the length that the counterpart piece of rail would be if it were not constrained by the track's connection to the earth's surface. The difference in length is an analog of an associated rail characteristic, such as the number of degrees that the rail's instantaneous temperature (e.g., in degrees F) is above or below the rail's neutral temperature. Length comparisons are made with precision measuring devices configured to directly read out in conventional units the rail characteristic being considered, such as pounds of force or rail neutral temperature in degrees F.

Abstract: The crosslevel measuring adapter includes a battery-powered electronic level sensor, a processor unit, a display, and data, display and power switches mounted in a housing through which an inclination measuring bar passes. The adapter unit may be mounted anywhere intermediate the ends of the bar which engage spaced railroad tracks during a measurement cycle. When the power switch is activated, the adapter initiates a zero mode to determine an automatic zero offset value to be automatically applied to subsequent crosslevel measurement values. The adapter calculates warp and crosslevel index values from a plurality of crosslevel measurements, and if the warp or crosslevel index values exceed respective threshold levels, automatic display of the value is initiated. Otherwise, measured crosslevel values are automatically displayed and calculated values are displayed by activation of the display switch.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved railroad track curve liner for more accurately locating track transition points to more accurately calculate an improved track configuration as a funcion of the existing track configuration. The curve liner is mounted on a track tamper. During a first pass over the track, the curve liner acquires track ordinate information. After calculating the ideal track configuration, the tamper laterally shifts the track to the ideal configuration in a second pass over the track. The improved track configuration is calculated in recognition that the ordinate graph is not linear in all areas--particularly at tract transition points.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the profile of a rail head includes a base, an actuating unit, a carriage and a sensing device. These components cooperate to laterally move the sensing device across the width of the rail as it is moved longitudinally along the length of the rail, so that a single sensing element may be used to measure the profile of the rail head.

Abstract: A saw mill guide rail capable of being quickly, easily and accurately aligned to the saw blade, having two intersecting surfaces machined into the head of the rail, each parallel to the rail head length and extending for the length of the rail, one being vertical and the other being horizontal, to thereby form a line of intersection, such that a straight-edge can be positioned against one or both said planar surfaces at the line of intersection to align the rail in a straight line in either or both the vertical and horizontal plane.

Abstract: There is provided a void/lift meter (10) comprising a shaft (14) extending from a base member (13) and a bracket (16) having a claw portion (22) and upper and lower portions (17),(18) disposed on said shaft for axial movement therealong. An arm (24) is slidably mounted in said bracket and is formed with a second claw portion (27) at one end which portion is biased towards said first claw portion (22) for clamping therebetween a rail. Between the upper and lower portions (17),(18) is a collar which is a friction fit on said shaft. The meter is used to measure the void under a railway sleeper and to ensure that the track is jacked up to the correct height to allow extra ballast to be introduced under the sleeper.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the profile of a longitudinal portion of an elongate member such as a railway rail comprising a base frame (1), an arm (6) mounted on said base frame for privotal movement relative thereto about a fixed axis (21), the base frame being capable of being releasably secured to the elongate member with the pivot axis of the arm in a plane substantially parallel to the direction of elongation of the elongate member and inclined to said direction of elongation. The arm (6) has or is adapted to have secured thereto a ranging device (3) having a ranging line (22) so that when the ranging device is fitted said ranging line (22) intersects the pivot axis (21) of the arm within the portion (42) of the elongate member that the profile is to be determined.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously surveying and aligning railroad track has a measuring system with a leading point and a trailing point, both points being on the track center line. Two tensioned wires extend between these points, respectively, and a common intermediate point also on the track center line. At the trailing point a shadow board is located and this is arranged to interrupt an infrared beam extending between a projector at the leading point and a receiver behind the trailing point. A device measures continuously the angle between the two wires and this value is averaged and then subjected to mathematical manipulation in a computing device to derive an ordinate value for the shadow board which is automatically extended accordingly. The receiver then commands a track correction ram located adjacent the shadow board to move the track radially inwardly or outwardly until alignment between projector, receiver and shadow board causes the receiver to stop the lining action.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously monitoring the gage of a railroad track from a vehicle on said track comprising measurement means which continuously measure the distance between the rails of a railroad track and remote indication means which display data of said measurement means to a vehicle operator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for measuring the wear in the cross-sectional profile of a railroad rail. A carriage is adapted for travel along the length of the rail and includes means for moving transversely with respect to its direction of travel in response to wear in the railhead of the rail. Distance sensors fixedly mounted to the carriage sense the changes in distances from the carriage to the rail as the carriage moves in a direction transverse to the direction of travel. The sensors relate the changes in these distances to wear in the top and gauge sides of the railhead.

Abstract: A surface roughness measuring method and apparatus for use in rail corrugations. The apparatus utilizes non-inertial sensors coupled to an on-board, real-time data processing unit. The method includes spacing a plurality of sensors along the surface at predetermined distances apart from one another, relatively moving the sensors and the surface, sampling data from the sensors at fixed sample distance intervals L, storing data from the sensors measured over a region of the surface, converting the data into second finite difference data over the region, converting the second finite difference data into data representative of a space curve of the surface, and displaying the space curve representative data to provide an indication of surface roughness.

Abstract: It comprises a chassis (1) resting on at least one rail (3) by means of contact members (4, 4') connected to a vehicle (V) traversing the track. It comprises at least a detector (2) delivering an electric signal representing the distances separating a rectilinear reference space defined by the position in space of said chassis (1) and successive points on the surface of the rail line (3) traversed. The contact members of the chassis (1) with the rail (3) are constituted by two shoes (4, 4') articulated on the chassis (1) about axes (5) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail. The extent of these shoes (4, 4') in the longitudinal direction of the rail (3) is at least equal to twice the wavelength (l) of the undulatory deformations of the rail of short wavelength, but less than the wavelength (L) of the undulatory deformations of long wavelength.

Abstract: A mobile track alignment machine comprises a track alignment tool positioned in a track section to be aligned, a drive operating the tool for alignment of this track section, a control for the drive and a reference system for operating the drive control in response to an operating signal emitted by the reference system.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of a track mounted car from a first position where the car is initially spotted by conventional braking means to a second predetermined position on the track which must be reached within close tolerances. An arm which may be pivoted in a vertical arc parallel to the track is pivotally attached to the car at its one end and at its other end it has preferably cone-shaped feeler means which engages a protrusion fixed adjacent to the track. A preferably vertical gravity based reference position is selected for the arm, and a sensing means for producting a direct current output signal proportional in magnitude to angular displacement of the arm from this position and corresponding in polarity to direction of displacement is provided.

Abstract: A survey system for determining the shape of a fixed path along which there may be no line of sight from end to end. The system comprises a mobile optical detector adapted to travel along the path and a plurality of optical sources which can be arranged along the path. As it moves along, the detector receives optical signals from consecutive groups of the sources and processing circuitry in the system deduces the angular positions of the sources and hence the shape of the path. In a coal mine, the optical sources are positioned on mine roof supports and the detector on a mining machine which traverses to and fro along the coalface. The system then determines the shape of the coalface. The frequency with which the detector and processing circuitry scan the sources is compatible wiht the mining machine. The sources can be retro-reflectors, in which case a primary optical source is mounted adjacent to the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous replacement of track rails comprises a forward and a trailing track renewal vehicle, which may have a common frame. The rails are unfastened and removed from a first track section on which an undercarriage supports the forward vehicle for continuous mobility and the replaced rails are laid in a second track section on which an undercarriage supports the trailing vehicle. A monitoring device is associated with the trailing track renewal vehicle to sense markings on the ties as the trailing vehicle moves along the second track section and to be guided by the markings, the markings indicating the position of the first track section and the monitoring device being arranged to position the rails of the second track section in alignment with the first track section.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for use in measuring vertical deviation of the surface of a rail from a reference plane. The measuring device includes a pair of guide beams and a hand-powered carriage which move along the beams. A sensor, which follows undulations resulting from rail wear, is mounted on the carriage and is coupled to the pen of a recorder.

Abstract: A device comprising a traveling chassis (1) equipped with two pickups (5 and 6) arranged opposite a line of rails (2) at a distance apart from each other (E.sub.1) which is dependent on the length of the wave of the deformation to be measured.The traveling chassis (1) is connected to a vehicle which travels over the track.The two pickups (5 and 6) are connected to an electronic measurement circuit comprising:a comparator (8) to form the difference of the two measurements effected (.DELTA..sub.1 =.sup.h A-.sup.h C) by these pickups,an apparatus (9) for determining the effective wavelength (.lambda..sub.1 E) of the deformation.a processing apparatus (10) adjusted to determine in true magnitude the trough (H.sub.1) of this deformation on basis of the difference established (.DELTA..sub.1), the effective wavelength (.lambda..sub.1 E) determined, and the distance (E.sub.1) between sensors,a recording device comprising a data condenser (18) and a stylus-type recording tape (11).

Abstract: An alignment line supporting assembly is provided with releasable locking means for attachment to a rail of a railway track. Each assembly includes a pair of spaced reference line support devices having respective line support arms positioned outside the track to which are coupled respective ends of a tautly drawn string or wire. Two pairs of support assemblies are preferably provided on respective rails to establish reference lines on either side of the railway track. Measurements are made between a vehicle adapted to ride the rails and the reference line at various positions to ensure the correct alignment of the vehicle for railway operation.

Abstract: An alert system in a mobile track surfacing machine arranged for intermittent advancement by selected distances from one tamping station to a succeeding tamping station and comprising an operator's station including a control panel for enabling the operator to operate the machine, which alert system comprises an odometer or tie counter for defining the selected distance, a signaling instrument arranged for generating an alert signal for ready preception by the operator to indicate to the operator the succeeding tamping station during the advancement of the machine, and a control for the signaling instrument for generating the readily preceptible alert signal in response to the selected distance whereby the alert signal readily perceptibly indicates to the operator the succeeding tamping station as the advancing machine approaches the succeeding tamping station.

Abstract: A track aligning device for monitoring the curvature of a track and adjusting the track successively to correct the curvature incorporates two taut wires mounted on a car or cars running on the track, the wires each defining two chords each extending between a pair of spaced points located on the track center line. Preferably the cords overlap. Each chord operates as a reference line which cooperates with a respective measuring device. A first measuring device located nearer the rearward point of the first chord derives a voltage which is sampled at equal intervals, say 2 meters, as the aligning device passes along the track. The voltages are summed and averaged electrically and a voltage equivalent to the mean displacement of the track from the first chord is obtained. The second measuring device is located nearer the rearward point of the second chord and derives a voltage equivalent to the actual displacement at that position of the track with respect to the second chord.

Abstract: A track displacement detecting and measuring system in which track displacement data are obtained as usual for a unit chord length of the track according to the conventional three-point measuring method by sensors mounted on three predetermined parts of a track inspection car, and such measured data are processed by an arithmetic or processing device of relatively simple structure to detect the amount of track displacement occurring over a track distance which is two or four times the unit chord length. In the system, an improved gyro device free from the adverse effect of rolling of the car is employed so as to permit precise detection of vertical track displacement irrespective of the track distance.

Abstract: A measurement system for measuring the departures from a straight line of discrete track sections of a track along a coal face in a mine employing a vehicle having a pair of spaced wheel assemblies which align with the track. A reference arm pivotally connects between the wheel assemblies, and there is indicating means for measuring the angle of pivot between the arm and each of the wheel assemblies. The length of the device is less than the length of a track section, and thus when one of the wheel assemblies is on one track section and one is on an adjoining track section, the sum of the indicated angles will be indicative of the angle between track sections. Thus, from the length of a track section and angle, the departure of each track section from the line may be calculated.

Abstract: The invention is a process and a device for measuring and registering the geometric state of a track in the course of alignment of the track with an aligning machine. The distance between a point on the already aligned track and a straight line defined by two points, one of which is on the already aligned track and one of which is on the part of the track to be aligned, is measured, and the value is registered after each alignment operation.

Abstract: A reference mechanism for a spike driving machine is disclosed. The spike driving machine has a hole sensing device followed by a spike setter and drive head all of which sweep along a rail tie in a direction parallel to the rail. When the sensing device senses a hole it signals to the reference mechanism which references the hole to the setter and drive head which are following. The sweep continues until the setter and drive head are located over the hole at which point the sweep is stopped by the reference mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides for a stop device positioned on a railroad track shifting machine such as a track lifting and/or tamping machine and a sensor for generating a control signal to terminate or control the shifting action of the machine when the shifting force on the rail exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of comparing circumferential shapes, particularly the outer circumference of a desired clearance wth the real clearance between obstacles arranged alongside a railway track, for example, signalling posts, overhead structures and quay walls, wherein from a point on the railway track, with the aid of field-glasses, in the viewing field of which is arranged an image of the outer circumference of the desired clearance made from a given distance, the real clearance is observed in the direction of length of the track at said given distance.

Abstract: An indicator mechanism for an apparatus for correcting the existing grade and horizontal alignment of railroad track in accordance with a wire reference system. The mechanism includes frame means, the position of which in use is referenced to the existing position of an adjacent section of the railroad track. Pivot means are mounted on the frame means and a needle indicator is mounted on the pivot means so as to pivot about a horizontal axis generally parallel to a reference wire. A second indicator is mounted on the needle indicator for generally vertical, sliding movement thereon. A first index is arranged on the frame means to indicate in combination with the needle indicator the existing horizontal alignment of the adjacent section with reference to the reference wire. A second index in the form of a scale is arranged on the needle indicator and it indicates in combination with the second indicator the existing grade of the adjacent section of a track again with reference to the reference wire.

Abstract: A system for dynamically measuring and displaying track curvature information to a locomotive engineer on a real-time basis. A car mounted sensor produces a variable output responsive to changes in the car's orientation caused by variation in track curvature, a control circuit converts the sensor output into an electrical signal representative of the changes in orientation, and an indicator receives the signal and provides a dynamic display of the derived track curvature information. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor comprises an extendable line having one end attached to a bracket that is connected to the center of a supporting truck cross-frame, while the other end is wound on a retractable supply reel mounted on the car's frame.

Abstract: A system for measuring rail wear includes an assembly movable along a railroad track and having displacement pickups adapted to respectively bear upon points on a top surface and on an inner side surface of each rail for the measuring of rail wear at these surfaces. Entered into the system are unworn top and side rail surface measurements taken relative to a known unworn feature of the rail at selected points. The assembly includes a probe element for each rail which bears upon an unworn portion of the worn rail so as to facilitate measurement of rail wear by the pickups in relation to the unworn top and inner side rail measurements. With the use of transducers, the pickups are adapted to generate signals in accordance with the mechanical displacement of the top surface and the side surface points relative to the measured unworn top and side surface points which signals are then converted to analog voltage levels which may be displayed on digital panel meters.

Abstract: A reference system for a track leveling and/or lining tamper comprises a reference wire or cord whose end and measuring points are held on bogies connected to the machine and laterally pressed against a selected track rail. A clamping mechanism is associated with the reference wire or cord and is fixedly connected to one or more of the bogies for selectively reducing and increasing the effective measuring length of the reference wire or cord between the end points thereof.