Скачать или смотреть LIRR's TLM Replacing Ties on the Main Line @ Bellerose & Floral Park

On 3/19/22, me and some friends chased the LIRR's TLM (Track Laying Machine) train from Bellerose to Floral Park. The TLM's purpose is to replace old wooden ties with new concrete ties for the Main Line expansion project.

The train is made up of concrete tie cars, 4 gantries that run along the length of the train on built-in rails, equipment that renews the tracks, and 2 storage cars.

The machinery on board the train carries concrete ties to the rear of the train, while carrying wooden ties to the front. While doing so, the rails are lifted up and clear of the tracks. The wooden ties are then lifted into the train, while a “sweeper” moves the ballast to the side.

Once at the back, the concrete ties are fed into one of the cars in the consist, which then drops them into position. The rails are fed back into line, and placed into position on the new concrete ties. A few passes by some trucks and track cars later, and the track is looking good as new, ready for ballast.

Timestamps are as follows: