Way O/T: train lays own track.

[machoneman]

http://www.wimp.com/traintrack/

Amazing machinery. Still find it hard to believe that it can actually bend the steel tracks out of the way and then bend them back onto the ties. 

[cjshaker]

Seen that video before. Pretty cool, but I miss the ole "clickety clack" of the old sectioned rails. I'm a big fan of old steam engines and live just a short ways from where the old geared Shay locomotives were built. Made specifically for tight curve, steep grade tracks like what was used in the logging industry. Been to nearly all the scenic railways within 3 states....with Cass Railroad in Virginia being my favorite.

[GJCAT427]

Brings a whole new meaning to the word "Gandy Dancer"! I take it that must be in Europe? Around here they still use wooden ties.

[garyv]

Cass Scenic Rail Road is in WV not VA.
Beautiful place.
Those Shay engines are amazing machines and can climb very steep grades while pulling a string of
cars loaded with logs.
The guys that maintain them are some older machinists and have to make all the replacement parts for them.
There are no old blueprints to go off of so when something wears out or breaks they just make a new part
right there in their shop.  One engine is 100 years old and has been at Cass since it was built and is still
going strong.
An amazing example of American ingenuity.
If you are close enough to go visit you won't be disappointed.
garyv

[cjshaker]

You are right, Gary. Had a moment of un-clarity
I've been there 4 times and was planning on going there again this year. It has one of the steepest rail grades in the U.S. Those Shays are workhorses!and travel up to the second highest peak in W.V. for a beautiful view into Virginia!. Those Shays work so hard they have to stop for water half way up! I usually stay for a week at the only local campground ran by a friendly old man.

The old derelict engines across from the shop are cool to look at, but like you said, those shop guys are real good. I usually stop and chat with them depending on how busy they are.. I also usually walk the track to the top (Knob Hill I believe?) at least once...which is where I had my first encounter as a kid with a rattlesnake. Still got the walking stick where I marked his length on it...lol
Good times