5.10.
LARGE-SCALE REHABILITATION
Heavy destruction of rail plants and facilities requires large construction and repair forces. When damage
is extensive, the Corps of Engineers takes care of the new construction. Often, its forces are supplemented by
local labor to do heavy and unskilled work.
a. Track. Where damage is confined to track, ties, and track fastenings, the principles and methods of
repair outlined in previous chapters apply. Again, constructing a turnout or replacing rail and fastenings is the
same regardless of what or who caused the need for it.
b. Roadbed. When the roadbed has been damaged, the instructions in Reference Text 670, dealing with
subgrade, subballast, and ballast are to be followed. Members of a transportation rail unit may be required to
assist engineer personnel in this work. Sometimes, engineer troops may not be immediately available to fill in a
crater caused by a direct hit on the right of way. It may then be necessary for transportation forces to build a
"shoo-fly"--bypass--track around the damaged section. All the previous track-laying instruction applies, although
the urgency of the situation and the expected duration of the temporary track's use determine to what extent to go
in subgrade, ballast, line, surface, and exact gage. A light train can operate safely over a comparatively poor
section of track, if it travels at the slow speeds that may be necessary in a theater of operations.
c. Tunnels and bridges. Damage to tunnels and bridges can be an effective way of blocking a rail line.
Special squads of bridge and tunnel personnel are required for repairing the structures before new track can be
laid and service can be resumed. Figure 5.3 illustrates the way that four viaducts were repaired after being
severely damaged. Figure 5.4 shows a method of tunnel repair used effectively in the Korean War in which rail
sections were bent to fit tunnel-clearance requirements and then lashed or welded to longitudinal stringers, as part
A shows. A heavy plank lining and a backfill of sand and stone completed the repairs as shown in part B.
5.11.
DEMOLITION
Destruction and demolition to rail lines and facilities by our forces may be limited or extensive.
Responsibility for ordering such destruction usually rests with higher authority. Vulnerable targets include rail
yards, roundhouses, turntables, and interlocking
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