Abstract: A nipper-clipper assembly for lifting railroad ties and installing clip assembly springs to couple rails to a tie. The ties are disposed below the rails and extending in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal rails. The nipper-clipper assembly includes a main beam assembly, a right side clipping assembly, a left side rail clipping assembly, a right side nipper assembly having a pad assembly, and a left side nipper assembly having a pad assembly. The nipper assemblies and the clipper assemblies are coupled to the main beam assembly. The right side pad assembly and the side pad assembly are structured to act upon the tie by contacting the lateral ends of the tie.

Abstract: A track renewal machine and method provides for the fastening of rails to cross ties without any requirement for secondary destressing. Heat is applied to the rails and the clips are then fastened to secure the rails to the cross ties. The rails are heated with one end unconstrained, the heat being applied to the rails essentially simultaneously with the application of clips and insulators to the rail.

Abstract: A track renewal machine and method provides removal of anchors after rails have been separated from the ties. The rails with anchors still on them are lifted from the ties and spread using a rail threader with the anchor remover attached to it.

Abstract: There is described a railroad track maintenance machine having a horizontal track undercutter and a vertical rotary trench digging wheel at one side of the track. The bucket wheel is constructed such that there is lateral access into the wheel from the inner side of the bucket wheel and the buckets themselves are open on their inner sides. The undercutter is located with its delivery end adjacent to and spaced inwardly of the trenching wheel near its bottom center so that ballast removed by the undercutter is projected into the buckets through their open sides.