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If you’re in the process of planning an industrial or commercial facility, don’t overlook the benefits of installing an industrial railway system. Railways are economical, highly versatile, and can even save you money in the long run! 

Here are some of the key benefits of installing an industrial railway in your facility.

An Industrial Railway Creates Better Communication

The railway is versatile and can take on a variety of jobs, from conveying materials between locations to sorting finished products. 

You could use the track to create a flow from one area of your facility to another so that workers or equipment will never get held up waiting for orders. 

Installation is generally not as expensive as other systems because you can work with your building’s existing infrastructure and electric wiring if necessary. 

It also helps ensure safety by reducing the number of vehicles that enter and exit the plant at any given time; ultimately improving worker safety.

An Industrial Railway Builds a Safer Work Environment

One of the biggest benefits of installing a railway is the ability to reduce injury risk. Injuries from objects, slips, and falls cost thousands of dollars every year. (Falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits, representing the leading cause of visits (21.3%). Slips and falls account for over 1 million visits, or 12% of total falls.)

If you have a railway installed, then employees will be able to travel more safely from one area to another without exposing themselves to potential hazards. 

Employees are more likely to feel more satisfied and loyal to their employers when they know that the company cares about their safety.

Employees that use railways might be less likely to complain about how difficult it is for them to get around the facility because they can literally, with just a flick of a switch or press of a button, ride away at their leisure.

Improve Productivity

Industrial railways increase productivity by reducing the number of times employees have to walk back and forth to a workstation, transporting goods, or shipping orders. 

It also eliminates the need for workers to return outside or across facility distances if their duties require them to enter buildings other than where they are working. 

Industrial trains may increase production rates because the time employees spend looking for their next job assignment or catching up on personal tasks is minimized. Increased production can lead to higher profits or better margins for your company.

Some customers also prefer this mode of transportation due to its quiet operation, so it is quieter inside your facility with no diesel engine emissions that could annoy coworkers or keep people from sleeping at night. 

Unlike forklifts, industrial railway trucks don’t lean so far over when they are picking up goods which reduce stress on body parts like the back.

Reduce Labor Costs

One major benefit to installing a railway is that it can help you save on money and space. With railways, companies are able to transport goods and products without incurring additional costs related to trucking. 

The less costly transportation will result in lower prices for consumers and create more revenue for the company as a whole. 

By installing a railway system, companies are not limited by the constraints of conventional highway systems, which means that more goods can be delivered with less difficulty. 

A railway system eliminates all loading zones, which cuts down on the time workers spend at their job site and lessens your impact on the environment. 

Finally, installing an industrial railway system does not have any upfront costs, so this option may be worth considering if you are short on funds.

Get Better Results from Employees

Managing employees with a track system increases worker productivity, safety, and quality of output. 

Offering your team the ability to work at a job where they feel engaged and challenged is just as important as providing them with the necessary equipment, information, and processes they need to succeed.

Increase Customer Satisfaction

Industrial railways are a valuable asset for any facility. They reduce errors caused by conveyor belt stops and transfers. Customers will appreciate not having to manually load or unload products which will increase their satisfaction. 

Not only do they make loading easier, they also help automate this process, so the customer will have the product without any trouble and without the need for workers on-site at all times during operation. 

If you’re looking for solutions that are innovative and sustainable then investing in an industrial railway would be a wise choice.

R&S Track: Midwest Railroad Contractor

An industrial railway provides a smooth, durable, and cost-effective transportation solution for your facility.

If you are thinking of installing an industrial railway by an experienced Midwest railroad contractor, R&S Track is your best option. Since 1987, R&S Track has provided the Midwest region with expert track maintenance and railroad construction services. 

We have a history of successful completion of similar projects. We can help you with everything from advice to surveys, construction, and repairing railroads. 

Contact us today to get a price estimation or learn more about our railroad services!

Sources:

https://www.naiop.org/en/Research-and-Publications/Magazine/2021/Spring-2021/Development-Ownership/How-to-Create-a-Superior-Rail-Served-Industrial-Property

https://www.cpr.ca/en/choose-rail/rail-sidings-to-your-facility

In this post, we’ll provide you with model railway track laying tips on what must be done to make sure that your track allows your trains to operate smoothly and without any problems. 

Laying track is the stage that guarantees your train set will operate without any hiccups after you have planned out your circuit. 

The following are the expert tips that will assist you in setting up your track:

Repair Any Joints That Aren’t Completely Perfect

If, for whatever sad reason, you wind up with joints that aren’t good, you shouldn’t try to ignore them and hope you’ll find a way to work around the problem in the future.

Our conversations with many enthusiasts at various exhibitions and events over the past few years have provided us with this priceless piece of advice. 

Even though we may not like to acknowledge it, every railroad has its flaws. However, if you want a railroad that is dependable and enjoyable to both operate and watch, address those flaws and fix the joints that are causing the problems.

It is a lot of effort to cut out one piece of track, hence why you should mend joints. However, if you have troublesome joints, you should get rid of them as soon as possible, and the sooner you do it, the better.

Work in a Flat Surface

Before you begin laying any track, you need to ensure that the surface you will be utilizing, whether it be a flat baseboard, table, etc., is smooth.

A small bump anywhere in the baseboard, or sag, rogue scatter substance, or even a bit of glue may seem like nothing much to you, however, due to the size of a track, small variations in the height will result in an uneven track which will cause the wheels of the trains to experience a rollercoaster ride.

Before you secure your track in place, you should clear the path it will take with a brush, and if you truly can’t obtain a level surface, you should apply a track underlay in order to hide the uneven top. 

This is an excellent use for cork. It is simple to ignore this tip, but doing so can lead to a variety of issues.

Always Go with New Rail Joiners

This is one of the things you’ll discover to be an improvement. It is also one of the things that will possibly make the most significant impact on the way a rolling stock operates.

If you are using rail joiners as opposed to soldering, you should get new fishplates and get rid of the used ones you have been using.

In the long run, you’ll run into issues if the joiner doesn’t have a good hold on the rails. Either a failure to carry electricity between the sections and rails, which can cause difficulties with train motors, or gaps or uneven surfaces where the rails meet, increase the likelihood of derailing. 

Both of these situations can lead to accidents. It is also a hassle to replace them once the track has been laid and fastened in place.

Take Your Time with the Track Joints

Issues might arise at track joints even with new fishplates. It is not safe to assume that the rails have correctly slipped into the joiners or that they are aligned both horizontally and vertically just because your track is able to maintain its integrity.

Even a very little misalignment will soon haunt you, so you shouldn’t put up with a joint that isn’t in perfect alignment. 

It’s easy to slip the track and the joiners together in your haste to have the track laid, thinking it looks good, then go on to the next step, but you shouldn’t do that.

Instead, you should focus your attention on the joints, inspect them using a magnifying lens (assuming your eyesight is poor and not up to the task), and run a finger over rail ends to check for any ridges and gaps. For the rails that do not meet evenly, you will need to detach them and begin the process again.

Consult with a Midwest Railroad Contractor from RS Track

Follow these tips and you will enjoy track laying even more. In fact, your results will be a hundred times better! 

If you want to consult with a Midwest railroad contractor, don’t hesitate to contact us here at RS Track as our experts are sure to have some more tips for track laying and even ballasting which you should consider doing next. Contact us here!

Life in the Great American Midwest is defined by the terrain and weather conditions that are unique to the area. Because of this, infrastructure such as roads needs to be built to withstand such conditions, and knowledge of what affects it is important. According to the average railroad maintenance company, there are several railroad weather conditions in the Midwest that may affect your railroad.

While they seem relatively simple, railroads rely on a variety of nuanced mechanics to remain functional over time. When these mechanics are hindered by environmental conditions, they can pose a threat to both the vehicles using the line and those people in and around those vehicles. Whether you’re building a new railroad, or taking over an old one, knowing which conditions can affect your line is imperative.

Here is a look at how local conditions can affect railroads in different parts of the Midwest.

Railroad Maintenance Company that Handles Tornadoes

Truly one of the more terrifying extreme weather events, tornadoes are an annual part of life for many Midwesterners. While they can occur at any time of year, they generally occur in June and July in the Midwest due to Goldilocks-like conditions. Depending on their severity, they can scatter ballast or in more extreme instances uproot the entire rail scattering ties and sleepers, and warping rails.

While there isn’t much one can do in terms of preventing tornado damage to the railroads, certain areas in which tornadoes are more common can be avoided. Usually though, when tornadoes pose a threat to railroads, the trains, cars, and any potential passengers will usually take precedence.

Railroad Maintenance Company that Fights the Extreme Heat

While most locals are deeply fond of the hard and fast Summer that rolls through the Midwest each year, not everyone benefits from it. In fact, the extreme heat over this time poses a range of threats to our health, with dehydration and heatstroke being common issues each year. It also poses a threat to our infrastructure, which while made to withstand some degree of extreme weather, is still affected by it over time. When it comes to railroads, the main threat that extreme heat poses is the rail buckling while a train passes over it, which can be disastrous.

As with tornadoes, it can be hard to fight the extreme heat and the effects it has on your railroads. Regular maintenance and acknowledgment of extreme weather conditions can help to prevent such problems. On speaking with a Midwest railroad contractor, they mentioned that seasonal modifications can further dampen the negative threat of extreme heat and other extreme weather conditions.

Railroad Maintenance Company that Prepares for Ice and Snow

Extreme cold can have a profound effect on our daily life, and while Winter is short in the Midwest, like Summer it is fierce. In fact, braving that fierce cold has become a part of the Midwestern identity. Ice and snow caused by the extreme cold can have quite an impact on both trains and railroads. Ice building up on the brake shoes can dampen the stopping power of a train, as they need to warm up and melt the ice before they will function. Likewise, snow on the tracks can impact both the stopping and going power relied upon by trains.

Ice and snow can also cause derailments, which are pretty much the worst-case scenario for most railroad operators. A build-up of ice and snow between the rails can lead to a derail due to the lack of a flangeway for the wheels to ride in on the inside edge of the rails. During cold snaps or more intense snowfalls, all railroad operations may need to slow down or stop to allow snow-clearing equipment to do its thing.

As with extreme heat, seasonal modifications can help to prevent such issues from arising, although regular maintenance and paying close attention to the weather can be enough in some instances.

Spring Floods

It seems that the Midwest suffers from almost every possible extreme weather condition each year, which truly denotes Midwesterners as survivors. The final extreme weather condition which is common to the Midwest are the floods caused by Spring downpours each year. These have become increasingly worse in recent years, with the 2019 Spring being the wettest on record for the U.S.

While rain itself may not have a profound effect on the various components which make up a railroad, in large quantities water is capable of displacing even the strongest foundation. Areas near rivers and lakes are the most prone to being affected, and therefore require a lot more attention than those parts of the line in more arid areas.

Prepping and Maintaining your Railroad As A Midwest Railroad Contractor

If you have concerns about any of the above conditions affecting your railroad, don’t hesitate to contact us today. You can speak with a Midwest railroad contractor who can advise on all of the above matters, and help you figure out what you need to do to protect your line. Check out our website, or call us today to learn more about how we can help.

Railroad planning has been helping people and possessions move great distances for many years now, and several countries worldwide owe their development to them. While we have several alternatives nowadays, namely air, road, and ships, many still rely on railroads. And although the trains have changed dramatically over the years, the tracks themselves are remarkably similar to those we saw in the 19th and 20th centuries.

While the tracks look similar, technology has absolutely revolutionized the process of building a railroad. Nowadays one doesn’t need a troop of slaves or low-paid laborers to do the hard work, instead, we have machinery which is far more efficient and ethical. However, looking at how we overcame environmental obstacles in the past can inspire and guide our efforts today.

Here is a look at how railroad pioneers overcame environmental obstacles in the past, and a look at what we can use today to achieve the same.

Railroad Planning for Different Types of Environmental Obstacles

The environment here in the US is incredibly variable, with forests, deserts, mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, marshlands, all surrounded by the sea. This has posed many challenges for the pioneers of our great nation, as they traveled via horse and buggy, and later via trains across these landscapes. On riding some of the most famous lines we can see tunnels and bridges which seem to defy physics, and still impress the average Midwest railroad contractor of today.

Forests

Prior to our colonization of this land, large swathes of America were covered in dense forest which had housed both indigenous people and endemic flora and fauna for countless years. In the early days of our settlements, those forests near civilization would have provided much-needed timber for construction. Although in between settlements, one can imagine a thick native bush which would have been an intimidating prospect to overcome.

A Vital Resource

Prior to the availability of coal which came in the years following the industrial revolution, the main resource for cooking and heating was wood. The same went for early railroads too, which despite their name “the iron road”, were predominantly built out of wood. In fact, by the late 1800s, railroads accounted for 20 to 25 percent of wood consumption in America.

Clearing forests for railroads has and continues to be relatively straightforward, with the main obstacles nowadays being protected flora and fauna.

Deserts Require The Greatest Railroad Planning

Deserts pose a range of challenges to the building of a railroad, with less than ideal ground for building on, and constantly shifting sand, it’s truly a nightmare to the average Midwest railroad contractor. Although desert railways have been successfully built throughout the world, with the most impressive being Mauritania in the Sahara Desert. While finding solid ground to build the rails on isn’t impossible, it’s been considered preferable to circumvent desert areas as much as possible. The main problem posed is the buildup of sand on the tracks which can interfere with drainage when it does rain in these regions.

In the past, trainmen have had to physically sweep and shovel sand off of the tracks and switches, but nowadays attachments on the front of trains can achieve the same result without the labor.

Mountains

If you’ve ever been on a train that has bored straight through a mountain, then you may have some appreciation for the great feat which it is. Mountains were overcome in two different ways, the first and more common was to bore straight through, the other was going over.

Straight Through

During the construction of the transcontinental, workers drove spikes into the mountains, filled the holes with black powder, and blasted through the rock inch by inch. This process was unbearably slow though, averaging about a foot each day. Nowadays tunnel boring machines (TBM)can make light work of a mountain, averaging 50 to 60 feet a day, which makes up for their incredibly high price tag.

Over the Top

In other instances, some mountains have been overcome by trains and tracks purpose-built for climbing those inclines which are otherwise impassable for trains. Mountain railways are predominantly used to transport people and goods to the summit, rather than as a section of a standard line. This is because of the steep grade railway technology which needs to be utilized to stop the train from sliding back down the track to the bottom.

Bridging and Circumventing Other Obstacles with Proper Railroad Planning

Rivers, valleys, and parts of lakes or marshlands which weren’t too wide were often overcome through the use of bridges. As with the railroads themselves, these bridges were once made of wood and now utilize stone, concrete, and metal to ensure their longevity. In other cases, circumvention proved to be cheaper or more convenient and still remains to be more preferable than hiring a TBM.

If you’re building a railroad, or even considering it, contacting us to speak with a Midwest railroad contractor should be one of your first steps. We can assist you in every part of your railroad construction, rehabilitation, repair, and maintenance, so contact us today.

Historic railroads in the US has often been referred to as the veins of America, both in appearance and in their relevance to the rapid development of all major States. Many of these historically significant railroads are still around today, albeit refurbished and in many cases completely replaced with more modern materials. The fact that some of these major railroads are still used today is a testament to their timelessness and their efficacy.

For modern railroad owners, and those looking to build railroads for modern use, it can be helpful to look at some of the more exemplary and historically significant railroads that exist in America. Ask any Midwest Railroad contractor, and they’ll inform you that some of the best inspiration available for the development of modern railroads is in our history. Whether you physically visit them, or simply do your research about them, certain railroads have defined, and will continue to define, the future of railroads in America.

Here is an overview of exemplary and historically significant railroads which may be of inspiration.

The Great Northern Railway – Minnesota to Washington

A symbol of the success of Libertarianism in America, James J. Hill famously built this railroad (supposedly) without financial support from the federal government. Hill, an already established Minnesotan coal and freight merchant, and three associates bought the decaying St Paul & Pacific railroad and turned it into The Great Northern Railway. If the railroads in America were in its veins, the Great Northern Railway was one of the historic railroads in the US.

The Mobile & Ohio Railway – Alabama to Kentucky

Although this railroad was used by the confederates during the Civil War, it went on to be used for almost 80 years after it ended. As it was attacked often during the Civil War it had to go through extensive rebuilding, and in 1940 it was merged with the Gulf, Mobile and Northern Railroad to become the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad.

The Santa Fe Railroad – Kansas to New Mexico

A favorite to many a Midwest railroad contractor, the Santa Fe was also known as the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. This was one of the larger railroads in the United States, and never actually connected to Santa Fe itself, due to the rugged terrain. The Santa Fe railroad hustled its way into existence, and even traded part of its line in Mexico at one point for track in the San Joaquin Valley. The railroad officially ceased operations on December 31 1996, when it merged with the Burlington Northern Railroad to become the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway, and is now the biggest freight network in North America.

The Union Pacific Railroad from Nebraska to California

The largest railroad in America, after the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway, the original Union Pacific railway was built as part of the First Transcontinental Railroad project, later known as the Overland Route. This monumental project connected the two coasts of America, and on connecting the two tracks from each side in Utah, a golden spike was laid in commemoration. The current Union Pacific is the oldest operating Class I railroad in the United States that has not originated as a merger between separate road names or holding companies.

Visiting the Golden Spike National Historic Site isn’t just for your average Midwest railroad contractor and their family, this site marks an integral part of America’s journey to where it is today.

The Pennsylvania Railroad

Next historic railroad in the US is the Pennsylvania Railroad. Spreading from Philadelphia into Pittsburgh, Chicago, St. Louis, New York, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, the northern parts of Michigan and parts of West Virginia. The Pennsylvania Railroad was founded in 1846 and grew into the largest corporation in the world by 1882, something which seems impossible in the modern economic climate. In 1946, a whole century after its founding, this private railroad company reported its first ever loss.

The Northern Pacific Railroad – Puget Sound to The Great Lakes

Although this railroad was a government-sponsored enterprise from the start, it was riddled with financial problems throughout its short lifespan. The Northern Pacific wasn’t able to keep up with privately financed railroads, and a myriad of financial problems (bankruptcies, corruption, etc) followed the line everywhere it went. This tragic railroad survived in one form or another until 1970, where it was absorbed into the Burlington Northern Railroad system.

Not only can exploring these historic railroads in the US give insight into what to (and what not to do) when building a railroad, but also give us an idea of how and why they were so integral in America’s development.

Seeking out a qualified railroad contractor to work on old rails or help make new developments? Contact R&S Track Inc today for a fair estimate.

References: Association of American Railroads | 3 Industries that Rely on the Railroad System

Considered an integral element in the development of America, railroads are still a preferred method of transporting goods and people across the Midwest. While many railroads are still functional, there are plenty which need railroad services such as repairs and rehabilitation. These repairs must be done to a professional standard to ensure the safe transport of both goods and passengers.

Before contacting a Midwest railroad contractor, read on to learn more about the services they offer, and how they can help you.

Consulting Railroad Services

As with any project which requires physical labor and engineering, a consultant is necessary to ensure the efficiency and efficacy of the job at hand. When it comes to railroads, you may consider hiring a Midwest railroad contractor to advise on exactly what you need to do to your tracks to get them functional again.

This is especially helpful to those who don’t have any knowledge or experience with railroads, although even with some experience and knowledge a consultant may be necessary.

Surveying Railroad Services

Due to the nature of how trains move along railroads, the land underneath the tracks is just as important as the tracks themselves. By hiring surveyors to inspect the land underneath your current tracks, you can enhance the longevity of the tracks by identifying potential problems early. Railroad surveyors will also be able to conduct a survey of your site to get an accurate idea of your inventory, which can aid you in planning for future needs.

This is a necessary part of the process of repairing or even building railroads, and should be done as early as possible to determine all potential problems.

Project Design Railroad Services

While designing a railroad track may seem simple enough in theory, the reality behind it involves many nuances which may require specific knowledge to understand. Things like various elevations, rivers, and geological features will require planning to circumvent or build over. This is where a professional and experienced railroad project designer can help, as they will be familiar with all the subtleties required.

Unless you’re looking at major repairs, project design is only really relevant when building a new railroad track. As with consulting, project design is helpful even to those with experience, and especially for those without.

Track Inspections Railroad Services

If you have recently bought or acquired a railroad track, the first thing you will need to do is have the tracks inspected. This can not only identify issues early, but also give you information about the efficiency and longevity of the track itself. Track inspections have changed dramatically since the inception of railroads, and now utilize technology referred to as Nondestructive Testing (NDT), such as:

• Eddy current inspection – can identify surface or near-surface flaws
• Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT)
• Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) – for manual inspection of joint bars and rail ends
• Magnetic induction or Magnetic flux leakage – used to locate unseen flaws
• Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) – used for detailed manual inspection
• Radiography – used in specific locations such as bolt holes or areas where thermite welding was used
• Ultrasound – considered the most popular method
• Visual inspection – utilizing cameras to detect breaks and cracks in joint bars and bolted rails

Track inspections are imperative to undertake regularly to ensure the safety and longevity of your track. While you should undertake them as the railroad track owner, other railroad companies using your line may also request the right to inspect.

Track Maintenance

As with inspections, regular maintenance is an important provision of railroad services and can ensure both the longevity and efficiency of your tracks. From lubing the adjusting points and switches, to replacing fasteners and bolts, keeping up with maintenance can keep everything functioning. Any Midwest railroad contractor will tell you that regular maintenance saves them both time and money in not having to undertake expensive repairs or rehabilitation.

As with inspections, maintenance should be undertaken regularly. Contact us to find out how often your tracks may need maintenance, and how we can help.

Thermite Welding

Traditional bolted rails usually suffer a number of problems which require thermite welding to rectify. Due to the nature of this kind of welding, this should only be done by experienced professionals.

Get in touch with us today to talk with one of our railroad contractors about any thermite welding you may need on your tracks.

Derail Services

Even with regular inspections and maintenance, derails can happen. While they may be devastating at times, it’s important to know you can get the cars back on the tracks, and the tracks repaired to continue your service.

Midwest Railroad Services: R&S Track

Hopefully you will never need to hire derail services, but on the off chance you do we can help you get back in business. Contact R&S Track today!