to give advance warning. The foreman must also refer to his time-table frequently to prepare for scheduled trains
and must always be on the alert for unscheduled ones. To keep the track safe for train movement while the track
is being raised, a smooth surface runoff, that is, a gradual change from the raised to the lower elevation, must be
provided.
1.11.
SUMMARY
A track is in proper surface and cross level only when an imaginary plane rests evenly on the rails. If the
plane fails to rest evenly, the track is in improper surface, causing a rough ride. Proper surface and cross level of
the track are restored by raising the low areas to match the high ones. Both spot and out-of-face surfacing are
used in raising rails--spot surfacing for raising isolated low places and out-of-face for raising the entire track to a
new uniform height, especially after reballasting. Out-of-face surfacing requires using spot boards, grade stakes,
sighting blocks, and track levels. The track is lifted with jacks to the elevation desired and ballast is tamped
beneath the ties to support the new elevation. Plans for surfacing and the amount of ballast needed are based on
how much surfacing can be accomplished in 1 day. Ballast is brought to the work site in a ballast or a drop-
bottom hopper car and then spread by using the car or a rail-mounted spreader. Both surfacing methods are
supervised by a track foreman who is responsible for the quality of work, the safety of the workmen, and the
safety of all trains operating over the tracks being repaired.
Section II. Re-Laying Rail
1.12.
GENERAL
The next phase of track rehabilitation is re-laying rail. Like surfacing, rail may be replaced by either the
spot or the out-of-face method. Spot replacements are usually made by hand, while out-of-face replacements are
more involved and usually require the use of machinery. Paragraph 1.13 explains the spot method; paragraphs
1.14 through 1.16 explain the out-of-face.
1.13.
SPOT REPLACEMENT
Spot replacements are made when individual rails in several locations are found to have flaws. These
replacements, as a rule, are made by hand. The joint bars and bolts are removed, the spikes are pulled, and the
new rail is set in place of the old. New bolts,
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