Abstract: A system for the laying of panel track that includes a plurality of panel tracks, a railroad car containing the panel tracks, and a panel track lifter positioned in the railroad car for lifting the panel tracks from the railroad car and for placing the panel tracks exterior of the railroad car. Each of the panel tracks includes a first rail, a second rail, a plurality of ties extending between and beneath each of the rails, and a plurality of gage rods affixed at various locations along the rails. A tension bar extends angularly between the first and second rails so as to create a curvature in the rails. The railroad car includes a material container having a generally flat floor extending between a pair of side walls. The material container has trucks suitable for rolling along a panel track. The material container is made up of a plurality of railroad cars having a flat floor extending throughout the plurality of railroad cars.