When Multiplicity Means Productivity

This article describes how some railroads were quick to replace large track crews in the past with machinery as a way to minimize injuries, reduce costs and complete work more quickly. Because of the fact that freight traffic volumes continue to make it difficult for maintenance of way (MOW) managers to carve out time to install rail and ties, replace ballast or reinforce bridges, and as cost-containment pressures continue to mount, some railroads want versatile railway equipment and machines that can perform more than one maintenance of way function. The article discusses how the railway supply community continues to respond by developing an array of equipment that can perform an array of functions. This article presents a cross-section of multi-purpose maintenance of way equipment suppliers.