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High-speed rail tracks are designed to accommodate trains that travel at much higher speeds than traditional trains. There is no standard classification for them, but these trains typically travel at speeds of over 100 mph. Many countries in Europe and Asia have utilized high-speed railway networks for more efficient ground-based transportation. The first country to implement a high-speed rail system was Japan in 1964, with its world-famous “bullet train”. 

In the United States, new high-speed railways are being built, such as the Brightline in Florida and Amtrak’s nationwide railway network. Companies like R&S Track Maintenance are helping build high-speed railways in the Midwest to give Americans another mode of long-distance transportation. To support these high speeds, the tracks must be built differently than freight tracks. 

What Makes High-Speed Rails Go Fast?

The speed at which a train can travel is usually limited to the type of track it’s on. Because of this, high-speed trains can not share the same tracks as freight trains. To exceed speeds of over 100 mph, many trains must travel through overhead electrical power rather than diesel. Electric power is used for several reasons, it gives the train greater control of acceleration and deceleration, is quieter than a diesel engine, and is more energy efficient than diesel fuel. 

If high-speed tracks are going to compete with other forms of long-distance travel, they need to be able to transport people quicker than driving or flying. In order for a train to maintain its speed, the track needs to be built mostly straight and flat. Additionally, these tracks need to have minimal stoppages so the train can travel at its top speed for a significantly long distance. To do this, dedicated high-speed tracks need to have fewer train stops at a very long distance apart. 

How is High-Speed Railroad Construction Different?

Track Alignment

Unlike freight lines, high-speed rails can not have many tight turns or changes in elevation. So, they are normally built in a straight line and have longer curves to maintain high speeds. This helps reduce friction, energy consumption, and wear on the train components. 

Track Gauge

Similar to freight trains, high-speed trains normally operate on standard gauge (width) tracks, which are about 4 feet 8.5 inches wide. But these tracks are well-maintained with exceptional precision to ensure smooth train operation. 

Bolted vs. Welded Rails

The traditional method of joining segments of rails is to bolt them together using metal fishplates, producing jointed tracks. For high-speed trains, the rails are welded together to form a continuous welded rail. At R&S Track Maintenance, we use thermit welding to create tracks that are much stronger and need less maintenance than traditional rails. 

Maintenance

To ensure safety and performance standards are met, high-speed tracks need to be inspected and maintained very often. R&S can keep your tracks running smoothly with our general maintenance services. 

High-Speed Rail Construction in the Midwest

R&S Track Maintenance has been serving the track maintenance and railroad construction needs of the Midwest for over 30 years. Contact us at 402-563-2350 for more information.

Welding is a useful process that can help join two pieces of metal together. There are several different methods of welding that cater to different applications. One popular type is known as thermit welding. This process uses molten metal to bind one piece of metal to another. But how exactly does it work, and what are its real-world applications? 

R & S Track Maintenance is here to explain the process of thermit welding, and how it can be used to improve the safety of your city’s railway system. 

How Does Thermit Welding Work? 

Thermit welding, also known as thermite welding or exothermic welding, is a process used to join two pieces of metal together by creating a chemical reaction that produces intense heat. The heat in this reaction can rise to temperatures up to 4500 F. This heat is generated by a chemical reaction between a mixture of powdered metal oxide, which is usually iron, and a reducing agent, which is normally aluminum. The reaction releases a tremendous amount of heat, and the high temperature causes the surrounding metal to melt and fuse together with the other piece. 

What Are the Applications of Thermit Welding? 

Thermit welding has several different applications. It is often used for heavy industrial projects where a reliable and strong joint is required, such as connecting metal plates, pipelines, structural steel, and more. This process is used for welding the hulls of ships, by connecting thick metal plates to each other. This process is also widely used to weld railway rails together. 

Is Thermit Welding Safe? 

While effective, thermit welding can be slower than other methods of welding such as flash butt welds. It is also a dangerous and messy process due to the immense amount of heat and molten metal created from the exothermic reaction. Special facial and bodily protection are always needed for the job. Additionally, this process releases hazardous materials like aluminum and iron oxide, which can be harmful to humans and the environment if they are not disposed of. So, thermit welding requires careful handling and the right training for the project to be done safely and properly. That is why the trained professionals at R & S Track Maintenance are the best people for the job.

Keep Your Railroads Safe with R & S Track Maintenance, Inc 

Expert railroad track maintenance is critical for ensuring safe, dependable, and efficient train operations. R&S Track can lengthen the lifespan of track infrastructure through frequent inspections, track cleaning, ballast maintenance, rail grinding, thermit welding and scheduled maintenance. We provide customized railroad track construction services in the Midwest region, certified by the Railroad Industry Association, ensuring safe and secure rides for passengers and freight. To see the results of our track maintenance and other railroad projects, please visit our gallery. We also provide services for consulting, surveying, project designing, track rehabilitation, new track construction, derailment services, and more. Contact R&S Track Maintenance today for safe and reliable railway systems.

Railway tracks are crucial for transportation infrastructure, requiring meticulous engineering for stability and safety. This blog shows how understanding the complex process of creating railroad tracks by R&S Track Maintenance, Inc. can help build more efficient transportation links.

Overview of railroad track manufacturing

Railroad track manufacturing involves steel components, forming continuous rails, cutting, aligning, and gauging for safe travel.

R&S Track Maintenance provides reliable, comprehensive railway track construction services, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

So, How Are Railroad Tracks Made? Step-by-step construction process

Here is the step-by-step construction process for railway tracks:

• Pre-construction preparations

Preliminary engineering assesses topography before laying steel rails, identifies obstacles like hillsides, and determines stability needs for specific areas.

Surveys are crucial for the safe and efficient construction of railway tracks, providing detailed information on underground areas, grade levels, and potential tunnels or bridges.

Permits from local and state authorities are crucial for legally constructing private property on railroads, as illegal work without proper authorization could result in costly fines if not addressed beforehand. 

• Laying bottom ballast

The bottom ballast layer on railroad tracks ensures stability and safety by spreading crushed rock evenly at a specific angle, ensuring levelness and flatness before tamping and inspecting.

Experienced workers use specialized tools like laser levels, surveying rods, and line-marking machines to ensure correct ballast placement and check for ground dips and rises to prevent impeded progress and safety issues.

The ballast is then inspected for unevenness before installing steel rails, correcting issues, and installing braces for security and shock and vibration resistance.

• Anchorage

Anchorage is crucial in railroad track construction, ensuring secure ground connections and resistance to heavy train loads. Rail anchors are driven into the ballast, while rail braces connect multiple tracks for a secure bond.

Surface plates distribute train weight evenly across the track, consisting of two flat metal surfaces forming a bridge-like shape, preventing excessive wear and tear from heavy trainloads.

Thermite welding is used as a strong process for joining track sections, heating steel to liquid, and pressing them together, ensuring a stable connection.

• Steel rail installation

Steel rails are crucial on railroad tracks, connecting two bars with metal clips. A track gauge measures the gap between rails, ensuring accurate spacing and addressing irregularities before they cause issues.

Rail on ballast is secured using spikes or clips, driven into wooden ties, or bolts and nuts to form a single line, reducing wear and smoothing track curves.

Regular inspections by R&S Track Maintenance ensure no discrepancies and prompt corrective action for unevenness or misalignment to prevent harm or disruptions to train services.

• Top ballast

The top ballast layer on railway tracks ensures stability and cushioning for trains, typically made of crushed stone, gravel, or aggregate. Its angular stones interlock, compact, and spread the load, preventing deformation.

Top ballast acts as drainage, preventing erosion and washouts, providing cushioning for trains, preventing vibrations, and ensuring safety for passengers and cargo.

R&S Track Maintenance uses specialized tools like laser levels, surveying, and line-marking machines for efficient material distribution, with inspections crucial for irregularities.

• Rail anchor and rail brace

Rail anchors and rail braces are crucial components in railroad track construction, ensuring a solid foundation and preventing unstable and unsafe tracks for trains.

Rail braces, or splice bars, connect track sections, ensuring stability and preventing shifting due to train vibrations. Using specialized tools, regular inspections, and the replacement of rail anchors and braces are essential for track safety and stability.

Rail anchor and brace placement is crucial for the tracks’ safety. Place rail anchors near tie plates to distribute tension, and splice bars at least one foot beyond joint ends to distribute tension evenly.

R&S Track Maintenance’s engineers consider lateral movement sources on railroad tracks, incredibly steep grades, or curves. Installing flexible ties near switch points reduces stress on rails and ties during transitions between terrain or speed zones.

Why choose R&S Track Maintenance, Inc.?

R&S Track Maintenance, Inc. provides customized railroad track construction services, certified by the Railroad Industry Association, ensuring safe and secure rides for passengers and freight.

Our company ensures quality results through precise measurements, secure fastening methods, and regular maintenance services to prevent costly issues and ensure long-lasting, stable tracks. We provide services for consulting, surveying, project designing, track rehabilitation, new track construction, track inspections, maintenance, thermite welding, CWR, derailment services, etc. Contact R&S Track for safe and reliable railway systems.

Railroads play a vital role in transportation, ensuring the efficient movement of goods and passengers. The maintenance of railroad tracks is crucial for safe and reliable operations. This article highlights the best practices in railroad track maintenance that contribute to lasting results. R&S Track implements these practices to enhance track safety, extend the lifespan of tracks, and minimize disruptions to operations. Let’s delve into the key aspects of effective track maintenance and explore the strategies that ensure the longevity of railway infrastructure.

Regular Inspections and Monitoring:

Regular inspections are critical for identifying possible problems and evaluating the general condition of the track. Visual inspections, along with new technologies such as track geometry vehicles and drones, allow maintenance workers to spot track flaws, alignment issues, and indicators of wear. Railway operators may prevent small problems from growing into significant track failures by conducting planned inspections and swiftly resolving any found concerns, guaranteeing safe and efficient train operations.

Track Cleaning and Ballast Maintenance:

Cleaning the track properly is critical for eliminating dirt, plants, and other objects that might obstruct drainage or damage track stability. Regular cleaning activities, such as the removal of dirt, sand, and leaves, avoid debris accumulation, which can lead to track deterioration or blockages. Furthermore, constant tamping and adjusting of the ballast (a layer of crushed stone that supports the track) helps guarantee optimum drainage, stability, and weight distribution along the track. 

Rail Grinding and Welding:

The frequent movement of trains on the rail surfaces can produce wear and tear over time, resulting in surface imperfections or faults. Rail grinding is a good way to restore the rail profile, remove flaws, and minimize noise and vibration. Railway operators can restore the smoothness of the rail by utilizing specialized grinding equipment, enhancing train ride quality, and lowering the risk of damage to rolling stock and infrastructure. Furthermore, timely and thorough welding of rail joints guarantees the track’s integrity and continuity, eliminating possible risks and ensuring overall track stability.

Routine Track Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, including tightening loose fasteners, replacing broken or worn-out components, and fixing minor flaws, are critical for track longevity. Regular maintenance actions, such as rail replacement, tie replacement, and track surface repairs, help to avoid track degradation and reduce the need for significant repairs or expensive track replacements in the future. Following maintenance schedules and aggressively fixing minor faults contribute to the railway infrastructure‘s overall integrity and lifespan.

Weather-Related Considerations:

Railway tracks are exposed to various weather conditions that can impact their performance and durability. Extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles can cause track deformation, settlement, or degradation. Implementing preventive measures, such as proper drainage systems, track slope maintenance, and appropriate ballast material selection, helps mitigate the effects of weather-related factors and ensure the track’s resilience in adverse conditions.

Railroad track maintenance best practices – Contact R&S Track Inc.

In conclusion, expert railroad track maintenance is critical for ensuring safe, dependable, and efficient train operations. R&S Track can lengthen the lifespan of track infrastructure through frequent inspections, track cleaning and ballast maintenance, rail grinding and welding and scheduled maintenance. Our experts can minimize delays and optimize train performance for years to come.

Visit our website to learn more about our services and expertise.

Have you ever wondered why railroad tracks have layers of crushed rocks underneath them?
The use of this crushed rock is more than a mere coincidence–it’s called a railroad track ballast, or more commonly known as a “ballast”. It plays an important role in keeping railroad tracks stable and functional. If you’re curious about the purpose of railroad track ballast and how it works, keep reading. Here’s everything you need to know about railroad ballast:

What is a railroad track ballast?

Generally speaking, ballast is a term for something that creates balance or stability. In fact, the
term was originally used to describe stones that helped to balance ships. Like ballast for ships,
railroad ballast is used to create stable conditions for the railroad. Railroad ballast is usually
composed of crushed stone, although other materials, such as burned clay, have also been
used in the past. It is used to form the track bed underneath railroad ties.

What Role Does Ballast Play in Railroad Track
Stability?

Ballast has been an essential aspect of railroad construction for hundreds of years. While
ballast might seem like a simple or minor detail in the construction process, in reality, it serves
several essential purposes to help keep railroad tracks stable. Here’s a brief look at the roles
that ballast plays:

Helps Maintain the Position of the Tracks

Not only are trains incredibly heavy, they’re also extremely fast-moving. Without proper support,
it would be impossible for the railroad tracks to stay in place. One of the purposes of using
railroad ballast is to help keep the tracks in place as the train is passing through.

Keeps Vegetation at Bay

Another benefit of using ballast in railroad construction is that it serves as a barrier to prevent
weeds and other vegetation from growing freely on the railroad tracks. While these small plants
may seem harmless, they can actually undermine the ground beneath the railroad tracks,
making it softer, weaker, and ultimately less able to support the railroad tracks.

Protects the Tracks From Water

Railroad ballast also helps prevent water from settling around the railroad tracks and potentially
posing a danger to the train’s stability. The ballast creates an effective drainage system,
allowing the water to cycle through and protecting the integrity of the railroad tracks themselves.

Contact R&S Track For Your Railway Maintenance
Needs Today

Ballast is an extremely important aspect of railroad construction. Not only does it keep the
railroad tracks secure, it protects the tracks from water, plant overgrowth, and other factors that
could affect the viability of the railroad tracks.
When it comes to truck maintenance and railway construction, there are few names as trusted
in the business as R&S Track. With 35 years of experience serving the Midwest, R&S Track has
become a leader in the industry that you can rely on to get the job done right. From consulting
services to track inspections, maintenance, track rehabilitation, project design, derail services,
and more, we’re ready to help. Reach out to us today to book a consultation or to learn more
about our services.

Railroad safety is a grave concern for everyone who uses the roads and sidewalks near train tracks. Trains are powerful and fast-moving machines that can cause serious injury or death if you don’t take the necessary precautions. So, let’s delve into some key railroad safety rules when approaching train tracks!

Stay off the tracks

It’s illegal and extremely dangerous to walk on railroad tracks. Train tracks are private property, and you could be hit by a train traveling at high speeds before you even realize it. Remember, a train takes a mile or more to stop completely, so it cannot avoid hitting you if you’re on the tracks. But you can definitely avoid being around it. 

Don’t Race Trains

It may seem like a fun challenge to beat a train at a crossing, but it’s a life-threatening game with deadly consequences. Trains can appear to be moving slower than they are due to their size and distance, so never attempt to race a train to the crossing.

Respect the weight of a train

Trains are incredibly heavy and can weigh up to 6,000 tons. The force of impact from a train is similar to that of a wrecking ball hitting a structure. Imagine you’re standing in front of a brick wall, and a wrecking ball weighing several tons comes hurtling towards you. Just like how the wrecking ball’s weight makes it nearly impossible to stop or change direction quickly, a train’s massive weight makes it difficult to come to a sudden stop or avoid a collision. 

Trains always have the right of way

No matter what, trains always take priority over any other vehicles or pedestrians on or near the tracks. Thus, even if emergency vehicles or police cars need to cross the tracks, they must yield to any oncoming trains. Pedestrians should never assume that a train won’t pose a threat just because it appears to be moving slowly or far away. Trains can still cause serious harm even at low speeds.

Stay off Train Bridges and Tunnels

Train bridges and tunnels may seem like exciting places to explore, but they’re incredibly dangerous. Never walk, bike, or play on train bridges or tunnels, as trains can approach quickly and without warning.

Don’t cross the tracks anywhere

Under no circumstances should you attempt to cross train tracks anywhere other than designated crossings. The presence of rails on the railroad ties means that trains may be using the track, even if it looks abandoned or unused. Always err on the side of caution and assume that the track is in use. 

Stay alert and avoid distractions

Modern trains are significantly quieter than their predecessors, making relying on sound to indicate their presence harder. Remain vigilant whenever you’re near train tracks and avoid distractions like texting or wearing headphones that may prevent you from hearing an approaching train. Be mindful that the rails are no place for leisure! Hence, it’s best to exercise caution around them at all times. Even if you can’t hear a train, it doesn’t guarantee one isn’t coming. 

Report Any Unsafe Conditions

If you notice any unsafe conditions around train tracks or crossings, such as damaged or missing warning signs or signals, report them to the appropriate authorities immediately. You could be saving the lives of many others!

Railroad Safety with R&S Track, Inc. 

At R&S Track, Inc., we place the utmost importance on railroad safety rules, committing to providing top-notch rail services that meet the most rigorous industry standards.

To learn more about the safety measures we implement and our train services, please visit our website at www.rstrackinc.com. If you have any concerns or queries, feel free to contact us.

Rail travel has been one of the most convenient modes of transportation for decades. However, despite its advantages, it also poses a lot of risks to the passengers.

Accidents can happen without warning, and it’s essential to keep in mind some rail safety tips and facts to avoid getting involved in one.

Here, we will go through some of the things you need to know to have a safe and enjoyable rail travel experience, including important tips for freight train safety .

1. Stay Alert at All Times

Rail travel can be long and tiring. It’s easy to slip into a comfortable sleep or daydream during the journey.

However, it’s crucial to remain alert and stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re in a group, assign someone to always be on the lookout for suspicious behavior.

Be alert for any unusual noises or movements and, if you’re not sure, consult the conductor. The conductor will be the go-to person if you need information or if you have any safety concerns.

2. Follow the Safety Rules

Before the train departure, the conductor will explain the safety rules and emergency procedures. Pay attention to these instructions and follow them strictly.

It’s not only for your safety but the safety of everyone on board. Railroad safety should always be a top priority. Don’t assume that you know everything, even if you’re a seasoned rail traveler. Always ask the conductor if you have any doubts or questions.

3. Stay Inside the Train

When the train is moving, always remain seated within the train. Never lean or throw anything outside the window. You could injure yourself or others on the train or on the tracks.

The only time to exit the train is when the train makes a scheduled stop. There, you can stretch your legs, buy snacks, or use the restrooms.

4. Pack Light

Trains usually have limited space for luggage. Therefore, you should pack light and avoid bringing too much luggage with you.

Always prioritize railroad safety and keep your luggage in sight, securing them on the luggage racks or under your seat. Don’t leave your valuables unattended or anywhere where someone can easily snatch them away.

5. Be Mindful of the Platform

Before boarding or leaving the train, be mindful of the platform’s condition. Watch your steps when boarding or alighting the train.

Avoid walking too close to the edge of the platform, and don’t cross the tracks unless it is permitted. Train tracks carry extremely high voltage and can cause fatal electric shocks.

Stay Safe with R&S Track, Inc.

So how did you enjoy our tips for freight train safety? When embarking on a train journey, it’s critical to remain vigilant, adhere to safety protocols, stay aboard the train, pack light, and be aware of the platform’s condition if you want your trip to be secure and enjoyable.

At R&S Track, Inc., railroad safety is our top priority, and we strive to provide high-quality rail services that meet the industry’s most stringent standards.

For more information about the safety precautions we take and the train services we offer, please visit our website at www.rstrackinc.com. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us.

Rest easy knowing that your safety is our primary concern, and choose R&S Track, Inc. as your preferred rail transportation provider for all your needs.

The train is one of the oldest modes of transportation. It has been around for centuries, with its earliest iterations dating back to Ancient Greece. Trains are an important part of the economy employing tens of thousands of workers in diverse companies like R&S Track which is a leading railroad construction company in Nebraska. Over the years, the train has evolved from a slow, laborious mode of transport to a fast and reliable way to travel across land. In this post, we will take a look at the history of trains and how they have shaped the world we live in today.

The Beginning: History of Trains

Unlike most of the modern trains you see that are maintained by railroad construction workers, the history of trains started with the introduction of wagonways in the 16th century. Wagonways were primitive wooden carts that ran on tracks made of wooden boards. These wagonways were initially used to transport coal and other goods along short distances in England during this time period. 

It wasn’t until 1804 when British engineer Richard Trevithick developed an engine powered by steam that could pull wagons filled with passengers along freight lines, thus creating the world’s first locomotive-powered railway system.

Train Expansion

When looking at the history of trains in the 19th century, trains and railways started to see rapid expansion and innovation. The construction of railways quickly spread throughout Europe and North America with countries such as England leading the way in terms of development. As technology advanced, so did railroad transportation. New designs allowed for faster speeds and smoother rides which attracted more customers and increased demand for train travel. 

This gave rise to numerous companies competing in this space, resulting in improved services and infrastructure being built all over the world.

Modern Trains

Today, trains are still one of the most popular methods of transportation due to their reliability, affordability, speed, and efficiency compared to other forms of transport like cars or planes. As technology continues to advance, so does rail travel. Many countries are now investing heavily in high-speed rail networks that can reach speeds over 200 mph.

These networks have revolutionized how people travel between cities by cutting down journey times significantly while also reducing air pollution associated with other forms of transportation. Another recent innovation is maglev trains which use powerful magnets to create a cushioning effect that allows them to reach much higher speeds than traditional locomotives or diesel-powered engines upwards of 300 mph. Maglev technology is currently being tested in Japan with plans to expand it around the world in the coming years.

R&S Track Inc.: Premier Railroad Construction Contractors in Nebraska 

Trains have been with us for a long time but one thing we cannot ignore is the fact that they need regular maintenance to keep serving us efficiently. R&S Track Inc. is a compliant and certified railroad track contractor. As a leading railroad construction contractor in Nebraska, R&S Track is approved for taking on projects that serve all types of roads. The company is OSHA safety compliant, INSET certified, and DOT compliant. 

We have been in the railroad track construction, maintenance, and repair industry from as far back as 1987. R&S Track has a 100% customer satisfaction record too. We offer a wide range of railroad and track services including track maintenance and rehabilitation, railroad track construction, and derail services. 

If you need new industrial railroad tracks constructed, repaired, or maintained simply call us at 402-563-2350 to schedule an appointment. You can also contact us for derailment services or for any questions you may have about our railroad track services.