Melbourne track-laying speed [Was: Torah Rd West Photos]
  Mal Rowe

On 22/06/2017 2:59 PM, Tony Gallowayarg@... [TramsDownUnder] wrote:
> The pace of tracklaying is the same as regards consumption of raw materials - they’re just laid on much thicker in Sydney, so less ground is covered for the same outlay.

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>> Richard wrote:

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>> The laying on the Gold Coast seems pretty slick once the ground is ready for the track.

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>> But where does that place Sydney? Snail’s Pace comes to mind.

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Actually, Melbourne's current tracklaying approach is a bit slower than the old mass-concrete approach as there are now three sequential processes:
1: Concrete to sleeper top

2: Crushed rock to about 2cm below rail top - then roll in with a small roller.
http://tdu.to/Small-roller_SwanstonSt_15Jan2008.jpg

3: Hot mix to rail edge and roll again with a small roller.

However, the outcome in terms of appearance, general noise and 'flange squeal' reduction is well worth the extra time.

I'll leave it to the next generation to see if either the Sydney or Melbourne approach allows easy rail replacement when the time comes.

Mal Rowe - looking forward to seeing and hearing Sydney's new track in use

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