We’re grateful for the footage you shoot and completely understand that, first and foremost, you have a job to do and a safe environment to maintain. Because of your willingness to take the time and shoot the footage no one else provides, your popularity among the online railroad community is growing. You should consider setting up a Patreon account and allow us to donate to your channel. This would allow you to buy a small, inexpensive tripod and cheap GoPro camera that you can set up on the edge of your worksite, out of the way, while you do the repairs.
Thank you for the really nice comment, it is much appreciated. I have a lot of fun doing these, and while your offer for donations is generous and thoughtful, it's not something I would consider taking money for doing these. You Tube has just gone nuts showing these and I am totally bewildered as to why, it really does astound me. I am humbled that so many great folks like you watch and write in with all these wonderful comments. I am overflowing with gratitude for my viewers and for You Tube. Some things to consider, we all carry cell phones here and use them for part of our communications with trains and dispatch, they are an accepted part of our work here, the company has no problem in us carrying and using them here, in fact they invite it for safety reasons. Our radios do not always work well. I have talked to management about making these videos, they have no real problem with me doing it. We are VERY lucky they are okay with that, a lot of railroads would never allow it. They have asked me to show respect and not show another employee's face so that it can be recognized. When I mentioned about getting some real type video equipment I got several frowns and an "I don't think that's a good idea" so, I'm not going to push my luck. I understand that better equipment other than my cell would definitely enhance and make for a better viewing, however I am also not willing to take a chance on them not allowing me to do these at all. Better to have less quality than to have no videos made at all. I'm sure you and everyone else can understand that.
@@ccrx6700 Dave- thanks for the explanation and your obvious dedication to pleasing your fans as well as respecting your employer and co-workers. The world would be a better place if more people had your class, concern, and honesty.
Thank you my friend for another interesting and great video. I have always been amazed at the rail saw and it's ability to cut through railroad rail steel. When I was 15 or 16 back in the 1980s' my friend and I found a nice section of rail about 18 to 20 inches long on the Long Island Railroad right of way through Forrest Park Queens. Both of us wanted it but that was not possible. The only solution was to cut it in half so crazy and determined me actually set out and cut this rail section in half. Now mind you I didn't have a power cutter so I had to do this job by hand with a hacksaw. Many hours and hacksaw blades later, it was done. First I had cut through the head into the web, then flipped the rail over and cut through the base into the web. The rail section was I believe 112 to 130lb./yd. rail. So with less than an inch between the two cuts left, I took the rail outside to a Ford dealership that was down the block from me, lifted the rail over my head, let it drop on the pavement a few times and finally she broke! Success I was so happy to have done this job. I kept one half for myself locked up in my toolbox and gave the other half to my friend I mentioned earlier.
Very pleased to hear you enjoyed the video Chessie. Unbelievable you cut a rail with a hack saw!!!! That is the epitome of persistence and I hope you still have that piece of rail and cherish it!
@@ccrx6700 thank you for your compliment on my persistence with the rail I had years ago. Unfortunately and regrettably I don't have it because of an annoying OCD that I developed in 1990 after the passing of my grandma. But today I do have a few 5 to 6 inch long pieces of 136 lb./yd. rail l had bought. I do still wish I had that piece of rail I had cut by hand though. OCD has the tendency to truly mess up a person's life and cause a lot of pain and regrets. But at least I never carried out with any thoughts of ending my life!
We started a 7 acre grass fire by cutting rail like that back in 2017, we had to destress tight rail by torch cutting first then make two clean cuts with the hydraulic Stanley saw and a spark jumped 20' and started the fire, it's best to make the cut between the rails so the majority of the sparks stays between the rails, we always use a 4' X 6'fire blanket shield around the saw.
Thank you Jason, picked up 2 more helpful tips. Everytime you write I learn something new. Really appreciate your sharing your wealth of knowledge with us
Sort if wonder what one of those carbide steel cutting saws would do to rail. They make short work out of heavy plate and good sized I beams. Nice thing about them is they don't shoot sparks like the abrasive wheels, and the cut metal is relatively cool after the cut. In the back of my head, I think I have seen an Evolution 14" chop saw cut rail on UA-cam but can't find a link.
Nice. In many ways those hydraulics are better than the gas engine stuff. I used a Stihl 2cy gas saw, that thing got heavy after a while. Our rail drill had a Briggs and Stratton engine, don't know the brand on the drill. That was heavy but would drill the rail like butter.
Yep, we got a gas cut off saw to, this hydraulic one is Sweet! I use the gas one just for cutting off bolts. Our drill is Honda engine, 10 times better than that old briggs ratchet type drill we used have
Yes he was. I made first cut wearing a full face shield but it was cold and kept fogging up so bad i had hard time seeing. He didnt have it on for that reason but did have full eye protection.
Yes sir, that rail is high carbon steel, does a number on those blades, but the cost of 1 blade is small, we do have to keep them dry, moisture seems to wreck havoc on those blades
Good to see that you know to keep them dry. Those type of wheels (blades) are pressed together cold in a low humidity envorinment, then baked in an oven to cure them. After any finishing, like cutting the OD or ID, they will get speed tested to 33% over their rated operating speed. It's pretty exciting when they fail, but thankfully the speed tester (speeder) is a 1 inch thick steel box to contain the shrapnel.
Bad business putting in a short plug. Should be a full 39’ if you got one! Plugs cause rock off’s. Just add to your misery! All that ballast out on shoulder needs to be under the track! Good luck buddy! From an old track man 42 years of it!!
You are right bout short plugs, however in this case, the distance between joints was about 50 or so feet, so we woukd have had to put a short plug in anyway. Also the right side of plug will get welded so that will help out. Thank you for your any years of service! Bet you got lot great stories to tell
Thomas, good question sir. We do not have a minimum distance, when we have to put a plug in we try to do it so the rail cut is not over a tie and so that it can be future welded in. A weld cannot be made over a tie, so it really varies on the lengths we use, hope that helped.
I should have mentioned that we had a 13 ft minimum. We didn't do many field welds. The biggest problem was joint stagger, especially with rail 75# and under.
@@burnuts007 The cut is 90 degrees. The same as the inside angle of a square. Hence square cut. That is an over simplifications. What we really mean is a perpendicular cut. The cut face is perpendicular to the rail length.
Justin, wondering why you don't like the hydraulic saw? We have a gas powered one which is great for cutting off bolts, we've also used it for rail cutting and it does well. It is a good bit heavier than the hydraulic saw. Hydraulic saw easier to start than pulling a cord...LOL
We’re grateful for the footage you shoot and completely understand that, first and foremost, you have a job to do and a safe environment to maintain. Because of your willingness to take the time and shoot the footage no one else provides, your popularity among the online railroad community is growing. You should consider setting up a Patreon account and allow us to donate to your channel. This would allow you to buy a small, inexpensive tripod and cheap GoPro camera that you can set up on the edge of your worksite, out of the way, while you do the repairs.
That way it won’t interrupt your video when you have to put the phone down to work.
Thank you for the really nice comment, it is much appreciated.
I have a lot of fun doing these, and while your offer for donations
is generous and thoughtful, it's not something I would consider taking money for doing these.
You Tube has just gone nuts showing these and I am totally
bewildered as to why, it really does astound me. I am humbled
that so many great folks like you watch and write in with all these
wonderful comments. I am overflowing with gratitude for my viewers
and for You Tube.
Some things to consider, we all carry cell phones here and use them
for part of our communications with trains and dispatch, they are an
accepted part of our work here, the company has no problem in us
carrying and using them here, in fact they invite it for safety reasons.
Our radios do not always work well.
I have talked to management about making these videos, they have no real problem with me doing it. We are VERY lucky they are okay with that, a lot of railroads would never allow it. They have asked me
to show respect and not show another employee's face so that it
can be recognized. When I mentioned about getting some real type video equipment I got several frowns and an "I don't think that's a good idea" so, I'm not going to push my luck.
I understand that better equipment other than my cell would definitely enhance and make for a better viewing, however I am also
not willing to take a chance on them not allowing
me to do these at all. Better to have less quality than to have no videos made at all. I'm sure you and everyone else can understand
that.
@@ccrx6700 Dave- thanks for the explanation and your obvious dedication to pleasing your fans as well as respecting your employer and co-workers. The world would be a better place if more people had your class, concern, and honesty.
Thank you my friend for another interesting and great video. I have always been amazed at the rail saw and it's ability to cut through railroad rail steel. When I was 15 or 16 back in the 1980s' my friend and I found a nice section of rail about 18 to 20 inches long on the Long Island Railroad right of way through Forrest Park Queens. Both of us wanted it but that was not possible. The only solution was to cut it in half so crazy and determined me actually set out and cut this rail section in half. Now mind you I didn't have a power cutter so I had to do this job by hand with a hacksaw. Many hours and hacksaw blades later, it was done. First I had cut through the head into the web, then flipped the rail over and cut through the base into the web. The rail section was I believe 112 to 130lb./yd. rail. So with less than an inch between the two cuts left, I took the rail outside to a Ford dealership that was down the block from me, lifted the rail over my head, let it drop on the pavement a few times and finally she broke! Success I was so happy to have done this job. I kept one half for myself locked up in my toolbox and gave the other half to my friend I mentioned earlier.
Very pleased to hear you enjoyed the video Chessie. Unbelievable
you cut a rail with a hack saw!!!! That is the epitome of persistence and I hope you still have that piece of rail and cherish it!
@@ccrx6700 thank you for your compliment on my persistence with the rail I had years ago. Unfortunately and regrettably I don't have it because of an annoying OCD that I developed in 1990 after the passing of my grandma. But today I do have a few 5 to 6 inch long pieces of 136 lb./yd. rail l had bought. I do still wish I had that piece of rail I had cut by hand though. OCD has the tendency to truly mess up a person's life and cause a lot of pain and regrets. But at least I never carried out with any thoughts of ending my life!
@@chessiesystemrailfanman3741 😊👍
We started a 7 acre grass fire by cutting rail like that back in 2017, we had to destress tight rail by torch cutting first then make two clean cuts with the hydraulic Stanley saw and a spark jumped 20' and started the fire, it's best to make the cut between the rails so the majority of the sparks stays between the rails, we always use a 4' X 6'fire blanket shield around the saw.
Thank you Jason, picked up 2 more helpful tips. Everytime you write I learn something new. Really appreciate your sharing your wealth of knowledge with us
Nice saw. Now just need to see the finish product.
I sure have learned a lot about rail maintenance.
Thanks
Elliot, that's great to hear, glad you are enjoying and I do thank
you for watching
Great look at the saw in action.
Thank you
Sort if wonder what one of those carbide steel cutting saws would do to rail. They make short work out of heavy plate and good sized I beams. Nice thing about them is they don't shoot sparks like the abrasive wheels, and the cut metal is relatively cool after the cut. In the back of my head, I think I have seen an Evolution 14" chop saw cut rail on UA-cam but can't find a link.
Nice. In many ways those hydraulics are better than the gas engine stuff. I used a Stihl 2cy gas saw, that thing got heavy after a while. Our rail drill had a Briggs and Stratton engine, don't know the brand on the drill. That was heavy but would drill the rail like butter.
Yep, we got a gas cut off saw to, this hydraulic one is Sweet! I use the gas one just for cutting off bolts. Our drill is Honda engine, 10 times better than that old briggs ratchet type drill we used have
Ahh, the sweet smell of hot metal mixed with the dust of a grinding/cut-off wheel and creosote in the morning.
Stephen, Yep, a railroaders dream morning....LOL Appreciate your watching and for your comment
Love your videos! Keep them coming.
Tom, thank you, appreciate your watching and glad you are enjoying
only the guy with the most seniority can do this 😁
Yea right
@@stevenvaith99 It's true
Not on the Union Pacific
@@stevenvaith99 what do you know about cutting rail on the Union Pacific?
30 years 7 months I’m retired
The life on those discs, is severely shortened if you put high pressure on them. if you back off on the pressure, the discs last a lot longer.
Can you crib out this section or is it too far gone and needs undercutting. And several new ties...
Donald, we cribbed and new ties yesterday. Watch video i will put up tomorrow. Thanks for nice comment
What kind of blade you use to cut a rail?
It's a carborundum blade, 16 inches in diameter, 4800 max rpm
Tell us the Employee was Wearing Safety Glasses. He should have been Wearing a Shield also. 👍
Yes he was. I made first cut wearing a full face shield but it was cold and kept fogging up so bad i had hard time seeing. He didnt have it on for that reason but did have full eye protection.
He was wearing the "old style" safety glasses.
Sure beats the old rail saw
Yes sir, this one is a dream compared to them
Ole Johnny hotpants is on the job today. Only one blade per cut?
Yes sir, that rail is high carbon steel, does a number on those
blades, but the cost of 1 blade is small, we do have to keep them dry,
moisture seems to wreck havoc on those blades
@@ccrx-xu1wc I was thinking more than one. Always good to get good help. 👍
Good to see that you know to keep them dry. Those type of wheels (blades) are pressed together cold in a low humidity envorinment, then baked in an oven to cure them. After any finishing, like cutting the OD or ID, they will get speed tested to 33% over their rated operating speed. It's pretty exciting when they fail, but thankfully the speed tester (speeder) is a 1 inch thick steel box to contain the shrapnel.
Bad business putting in a short plug. Should be a full 39’ if you got one!
Plugs cause rock off’s. Just add to your misery! All that ballast out on shoulder needs to be under the track!
Good luck buddy! From an old track man 42 years of it!!
You are right bout short plugs, however in this case, the distance between joints was about 50 or so feet, so we woukd have had to put a short plug in anyway. Also the right side of plug will get welded so that will help out. Thank you for your any years of service! Bet you got lot great stories to tell
What is your minimum rail length for a plug?
Thomas, good question sir. We do not have a minimum distance,
when we have to put a plug in we try to do it so the rail cut is not
over a tie and so that it can be future welded in. A weld cannot be
made over a tie, so it really varies on the lengths we use, hope that helped.
I should have mentioned that we had a 13 ft minimum. We didn't do many field welds. The biggest problem was joint stagger, especially with rail 75# and under.
@@thomaspinnick5796 i can understand that, if not going to weld in a joint, then your way is a very good idea. Thanks for sharing with me
Seams like a waste of a blade if you have to replace it after every cut. Nice saw though. No rail nippers in real life I guess. LOL.
Produces a square cut. Cost a a blade is peanuts compared to paying just one man hour to dress the end.
@@ShainAndrews Ok. That is a good point.
@@ShainAndrews hey, what do you mean by square cut? Just having a clean cut with new blades? Thanks
@@burnuts007 The cut is 90 degrees. The same as the inside angle of a square. Hence square cut. That is an over simplifications. What we really mean is a perpendicular cut. The cut face is perpendicular to the rail length.
Those hydraulic saws are trash. K1270 is the best
Justin, wondering why you don't like the hydraulic saw? We
have a gas powered one which is great for cutting off bolts,
we've also used it for rail cutting and it does well. It is a good
bit heavier than the hydraulic saw. Hydraulic saw easier to start
than pulling a cord...LOL