Abstract: An applicator adapted to apply chemically-impregnated pads (53) to freshly-milled surfaces (24) on railroad ties (22), includes a vehicle (21) adapted to be moved along the ties; a carriage (29) mounted for horizontal movement with the vehicle along the ties, and mounted for floating vertical movement relative to the vehicle during use; sensors (51,52) for determining the position of a tie beneath the carriage; a pad storage magazine (33) mounted on said carriage; suction cups (38) and an actuator (47) for withdrawing an end pad from the magazine; a rotary motor and a lifting actuator (36) for moving a withdrawn pad from the magazine to a freshly-milled surface on a tie; and a nailer (39) for attaching the pad to the tie.

Abstract: An improved locomotive crane boom generally indicated at 10 has of a first member 11, second member 12, and third member 13 each pivotally connected at various pivot points to one another and to locomotive crane 14. A series of pistons and cylinders, 19, 20 and 21, powered by hydraulic pump 23 and fluid source 34, may be selectively extracted or retracted thereby permitting the improved boom to be positioned at any point along the length of a typical gondola car 17 to be unloaded. In operation, locomotive crane 14 with the included improved boom 10 does not need to be uncoupled from gondola car 17 for unloading since the improved boom may be articulated such that unloading magnet 24 or any other appended appliance may be positioned across the entire length of car 17 through the selected extraction and retraction of the pistons and cylinders and pivoting of the boom members 11, 12 and 13.