BALLAST IS BASIC : TAKING CARE OF BALLAST IS ONE OF THE FUNDAMENTALS OF RAILROAD ENGINEERING

This article discusses the efforts some companies are making in improving ballast and helping to keep track foundation functional. Companies and products mentioned include GREX's Spoils Receiver System, which is capable of receiving spoils at 500 tons per hour; Herzog's PLUS Train Ballast Unloading System, which can unload ballast at 20 mph; Knox Kershaw's Double Broom, which features floating plows, large wings, and tilt cab; Loram's RAILVAC excavator, which excavates special trackwork bridge areas; MINER's expanded Ballast Discharge Gates line, which feature products designed to distribute ballast; NORDCO's M2-14, which is a ballast regulator and snow fighter machine; Plasser's BDS100/200, which transfers excess ballast to areas where more ballast is needed; and Progress Rail's Ballast Regulator, which maintains ballast.