Automated tie replacement machine

[BobLI]

Will an automated tie replacement machine work on jointed rail to replace ties or does it only have to be continous welded rail to work with?

[JWilson]

I've only seen the TLM working on continuous Welded rail. There are still joints on CWR and they usually pass through the guide rollers without trouble but sometimes they do cause problems by causing the rail to pop out of the rollers. All stop, bring out the chain hoists, open the rollers, fight the rail back into place, close the rollers, proceed. Jointed rail would increase this minor problem exponentially. As long as the machine is there install CWR at the same time as the new ties and eliminate most of your joint problems.

[DutchRailnut]

and a TLM is not automated by long shot, it takes about 30 guys to operate.