Abstract: In a non-stop track leveling and ballast tamping apparatus wherein a machine frame is continuously advanced along a track as successive track sections are lifted for leveling under the control of a reference system, a plow is arranged to move ballast onto the ballast bed below the lifted track sections so that there are formed two elongated raised ballast strips below the track rails and an intermediate strip recessed between the two raised strips. A ballast compactor comprises a chassis supporting a vibrator generating at least approximately horizontal vibrations and a hydraulic load. The chassis has rail engaging and guiding rollers associated with each rail and mounting the chassis for mobility on the track and pressure fluid operated cylinders for continuously laterally pressing the rollers without play against the rail with which it is associated.

Abstract: A mobile track tamper comprises vibratory tamping tools for tamping ballast under the track ties and ballast removing tools associated with the tamping tools for removing at least a portion of the ballast from a region below the ties intermediate the track rails. The track is surfaced by tamping ballast at the points of intersection between the ties and rails and removing the ballast from between the points of intersection.

Abstract: A mobile ballast cleaning machine useful for work in track switches and crossings comprises an endless ballast excavation chain including a chain stringer mounted in a transversely extending guide for excavating ballast underneath the track. The guide is adjustable to selected lengths for a corresponding change in the width of the ballast excavation. The excavated ballast is received on a ballast cleaning screen separating the ballast from fines to produce clean ballast, and cleaned ballast distributing conveyors and/or chutes are adjustably mounted for enabling the cleaned ballast to be distributed over the entire width of ballast excavation for selectively distributing the ballast within this width. The excavation chain and/or the distributing conveyors are mounted on mobile supports.

Abstract: A mobile ballast cleaning machine which comprises a ballast excavating bucket chain and a ballast cleaning screen has a ballast leveling apparatus mounted behind the bucket chain to level cleaned ballast returned to the track bed from the screen. This ballast leveling apparatus consists of an arrangement of bars extending transversely of the track over the entire length of the track ties. The arrangement includes a plurality of transversely arranged rods having adjacent, pivotally joined ends attached to the bucket chain by guide rods or ropes which permit free movement of the leveling rods.

Abstract: An undercutting apparatus and a method for removing material from beneath railroad track. The apparatus comprises a rotary trench digging means and horizontal chain means to transport the material from beneath the railroad track to the trench digging means at an underground location. In operation the trench digging means digs a trench alongside of the track while at the same time transporting the material delivered by the horizontal chain means to a suitable location above the ground. Preferably the rotary trench digging means comprises a large hollow wheel and one end of the chain means is disposed inside of and near the bottom of the wheel during normal operation of the chain means. Means are provided to pivot the chain means about a vertical axis whereby the chain means can be pivoted from a first position wherein the chain means extends parallel to the track to a second position wherein the chain means extends perpendicular to the track.

Abstract: An undercutting apparatus for removing ballast and other material from beneath railroad ties, particularly ties in areas that are difficult to undercut with conventional equipment. The apparatus includes a carrier capable of moving over ordinary ground. An undercutter in the form of a toothed chain moving around the periphery of a plate member is rigidly mounted to a first frame member. A drive motor is provided for driving the chain by means of a sprocket. The first frame member is mounted on a second frame to pivot about a vertical axis with respect to the second frame. A motor and interconnecting gears are provided to pivot the first frame member as desired. The second frame is mounted on a travelling frame mounted on a vertically oriented track frame. Hydraulic cylinders pivot the second frame means as desired. The track frame is mounted to the carrier to transport the undercutter and provide it with the necessary power.

Abstract: In a ballast cleaning method and apparatus, wherein ballast is removed from underneath a track section, cleaned and returned, clean ballast is stored so that additional amounts of clean ballast may be selectively delivered under the track and/or to the cribs.