Loram Rail Grinder

January 15, 2010: Union Pacific generally runs a rail grinder in January or February through the Willamette Valley. This year UP contracted with Loram. This video shows the grinder at Hallawell, moving into the clear for Amtrak 504, and grinding past the Amtrak station in Albany.

Rail grinders are used to reshape the contour of the railhead to reduce wear and extend the life of the rail. Grinding stones are used, and that is what produces the smoke and sparks. Water cars travel along in case the sparks start a fire and to cool the track down, and there are crew cars at the end of the train.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• train
• railroad
• loram
• rail grinder
• albany
• oregon

[ljones121]

just curious, why is there a mexican flag flying on an american rail grinder?

[railsetc]

@ljones121 The grinder works all of North America, not just the United States, since the tracks are the same.

[miked9372]

water car cools the track you can see at 4:05 add that to more info

[railsetc]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that bit. Woops.

[railsetc]

It did pass through Woodburn, yes.

[mrredskins81]

Cool vid; how often do rails need to be grounded

[drumkid330]

sweet!!!!!

[moonwalker5058]

Great video!! Would this pass through Woodburn?