on them while another train passes on the main track. Although spurs
are desirable, they are not a major basis in selecting rail lines.
(6) Strong bridges and tunnels of sufficient clearance.
The
strength of railway bridges directly affects the kind of locomotives
operated over them.
If bridges, must be rehabilitated or
constructed, they should be made strong enough to support the
locomotives to be run over them. Any tunnels on the railway should
have sufficient clearance to allow passage of such wide and high
loads as bulldozers and cranes.
c. Undesirable physical characteristics.
The railway selected
should have a minimum number of vulnerable points where traffic could
possibly be interrupted.
Tracks located near high banks or streams
are highly susceptible to washouts or floods.
Tunnels with
restrictive clearances prevent moving outsize equipment.
Long
bridges or bridges over deep or wide streams are quite vulnerable to
enemy attack.
Improperly constructed terminals cause congestion.
Deep cuts and high fills should be avoided whenever possible.
1.4
USING EXISTING FACILITIES
As the theater of operations expands and forces advance,
existing tracks and facilities are used as much as possible.
Captured track is rehabilitated when needed. Constructing new track
is avoided if possible because of the manpower required for it.
However, when new construction would take less time and manpower than
rehabilitation, it may be advisable to construct new track and
facilities.
Those facilities that may require rehabilitation or new
construction are yards, sidings, fuel and water stations, signal
systems, telephone and telegraph lines, and engine houses.
Whether
to rehabilitate existing facilities or to construct new ones is
dependent upon their being ready for immediate rather than permanent
use.
The
following
are
general
regulations
governing
the
construction or rehabilitation of facilities.
a. Main lines, yards, and sidings.
When new construction is
required, planning for the location and layout of tracks is of great
importance, to take care of not only current needs but also
future
requirements.
For
rehabilitation,
the
general
track
surface must be good enough to meet immediate requirements.
Track
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