Abstract: The invention relates to a tamping assembly for tamping sleepers of a track, comprising a tamping unit having oppositely positioned tamping tools which are mounted on a lowerable tool carrier and connected in each case to a squeezing drive for generating a squeezing motion, wherein an eccentric drive having an eccentric shaft is provided for generating a vibratory motion. In this, it is provided that each squeezing drive is supported on a console having a ring-shaped housing section which is mounted on an eccentric section, associated with the squeezing drive, of the eccentric shaft.

Abstract: A tamping unit for tamping a track has tamping tines which are designed for immersion into a ballast bed and which can be set in vibrations by a vibration drive. The vibration drive includes a housing in which a shaft including an eccentric is arranged for rotation about a shaft axis. A transmission element for transmitting a vibratory motion is mounted on the eccentric. The eccentric is connected to the shaft in a rotation-locked and radially displaceable manner, wherein the position of the eccentric relative to the shaft is adjustable in radial direction by an adjustment device. Thus, while retaining the advantages of an eccentric drive, it is possible to adjust vibration parameters during operation.

Abstract: An attachment device for provisionally or temporarily connecting a tie plate to a rail includes a U-shaped fixing clamp inserted slightly into a bore of the tie plate. A force-locking connection between the tie plate and the fixing clamp is established with the aid of a clamping bolt. A stop nose automatically also effects a connection between the tie plate and the rail. A simplified tie renewal can be performed as a result of the provisional or temporary connection. A method for producing an attachment device constructed as a fixing clamp is also provided.

Abstract: In a tamping unit for tamping sleepers of a track, both squeezing drives of a tamping tine pair are articulatedly connected to a common connecting carrier. A vibration exciter fastened to the tine carrier is connected to the connecting carrier, likewise fastened to the tine carrier, for transmission of tamping tine vibrations from the connecting carrier to the squeezing drives and the tamping tines.

Abstract: A tamping device and method of compacting ballast beneath the intersection of a railroad track's tie and rail utilize a pair of tamping units, each of which terminates in a tool blade. When a pair of tamping unit's first and second tool blades are in ballast on either side of the track's tie along one side of the rail, the first and second tool blades are moved in respective counter rotational first and second orbital paths such that forces generated in the ballast by the blades cooperate to compact the ballast beneath the intersection of the tie and the rail.

Abstract: A railroad test vehicle extending in a longitudinal direction comprises a measurement axle comprising two flanged wheels rotatable about a measuring axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction and adapted to run on two track rails. A cross member extends transversely to the longitudinal direction, is vertically spaced from an underside of the vehicle and is affixed thereto. The connection between the measurement axle and the cross member comprises two trunnions transversely spaced from each other and mounted on the cross member, each trunnion defining a clearance with the cross member sufficient to enable the trunnion to be freely tilted to either side of the vehicle about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction, a support frame mounted on each trunnion for pivoting freely about an axis extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, and two pairs of linkages, the pairs being transversely spaced from each other by the same distance as the transversely spaced trunnions.

Abstract: A dolly assembly for lifting and supporting a single vehicle tire includes a wheel mounted support frame having a first support bar connected to a second support bar, a slidable member engaged with the second support bar, and a pair of tire lift paddles connected to the slidable member. The slidable member is movable along the second support bar by a lift spindle or a hydraulic lift, which serves to move the pair of tire lift paddles into contact with the vehicle tire, thereby lifting it. An upper housing is attached to the top of the second support bar. The upper housing carries an upper support pad which contacts an upper outside surface of the vehicle tire. An optional securing strap is also provided to further secure the vehicle tire on the dolly assembly.