Found this while driving through Nebraska. Could not get the pics of the rest to turn out. Any help finding out what it is used for would answer alot of questions.
Just saw this thread. Um, dare I ask, why would they grind the rails? I'm guessing shaping the railhead helps traction of some sort?
Maintaining a proper profile helps rail and wheel wear at the interface. Rail has micro cracks that develop on the head with continuous use, and grinding helps to remove those, also.
