Laser helps to straighten tracks
Working south from Ohakune at present is a new railway maintenance machine, a Tamper, which is one of only three in New Zealand. The Tamper is used for general maintenance to railway tracks, including packing ballast under sleepers, to hold the track on the correct cant so trains stay
level, and re-aligning the tracks. Eight railways staff are needed to operate the machine. Also working with the railways staff is Mr Bruce Atkinson, from Rockhampton, Australia. Mr Atkinson works for Tamper, Australia, based in Brisbane and is in New Zealand to sort out a few 'teething problems' with the machine. The three Tampers were brought from Australia on a roll-on roll-off transporter last November. This machine is based in Taumarunui and the other two in Christchurch and Hamilton. The new Tampers are able
to complete a length of track in about half the time of the old machines they are superseding. The machines can complete one kilometre of track in about l'/2 hours, says the plant maintainer, Mr Don Simpkin. A laser-lining attachment helps the tamper to re-align the track. "The laser is completely harmless. They are used in all sorts of work such as drain-laying and for road works, as well as on the railways," says plant inspeftor, Mr Graham McGill, from Wanganui. Mr Simpkin is very pleased with the laser attachment. "We are trying
it out here and if it proves to be a success, we will probably order more." The 27 tonne machine is capable of travelling in excess of 80 km/hr but is only permitted to travel at a maximum of 32 km/hr on New Zealand tracks. Railways have set a target of 15 kilometres a week for the machine. The Tamper has a lifting device to remove itself from the track when trains are due to pass., Mr Simpkin believes the Tamper will save the railways a considerable amount of money, as carriages wear more quickly when the tracks are not straight. Straighter tracks also increase passenger comfort.
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Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 42, 9 April 1985, Page 8
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338Laser helps to straighten tracks Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 42, 9 April 1985, Page 8
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