Saw something like that working north of Holland a couple years ago - they were dumping ties out of it - the "backhoe" travels back and forth in the gondolas. I bet they can dig ditches with it, too.
I'll go with the tie train concept too, but the "Slot Machine" logo kinda throws me. Do you think that either Harrahs or Mirage Resorts owns and operates this thing?
Saw the same thing in Longmont last year. Back hoe also has, I think, a magnet that can be used for picking up old used spikes, tie plates, small sections or rail etc.....from along the ROW. Will upload a few photos I have of the same thing later.
A few of my shots while train was in town. Overall view of train: Caterpillar backhoe: Looking inside articulated cars: Company information, on cab: Backside of locomotive cab: Couple of shots were taken standing on a pile of ties next to train!
I saw the lights on the cab of the "loco" so I am guessing it can be operated via remote control too... Harold
Here's another version of the concept, working the joint line in Fountain: BNSF has a tie replacement project going, and this was laying stacks of new ties for the work crew coming along behind it.
Here's a slot machine (how many of these are there?) that was on the BNSF last year. I have a recent picture of the power that I still have to scan, and will post later. [ December 07, 2005, 11:54 AM: Message edited by: campp ]
Not sure what the lights are for, but it's a 2 person operation, so I thought! Check the following links for more information on this particular train: Georgetown Rail Equipment Spec Sheet Other equipment and info available.
Ill bet the backhoe operator has a remote for the power in his cab. Train is short enough, to be pushed along.
... I remember videotaping a MOW train on the CSX main in my local town... They were setting out ties with a similar backhoe atop what appeared to be standard gons... only it appeared to be "walking" on top of the ties as it worked. The gons were being pulled by one of CSX's Pumpkins... I can't find the video!
That's what I was thinking... either that or someone on the ground is monitoring the tie unloading and controlling the train to keep the work flowing. Harold
