Method for track renewal

Abstract

In a method for renewing a track (2) and cleaning a ballast bed (3), the old track (2) is lifted off the ballast bed in sections as a track panel (15), transported forward in a working direction (4) and deposited on track panel wagons (8). The exposed ballast bed (3), forming a renewal gap (17), is cleaned by a cleaning machine (11), spoil (32) accruing in the process is transported forward underneath the track panels (15) deposited on the track panel wagons (8), and stored in hopper cars (10). New rails (29), pre-deposited underneath new sleepers (27) positioned on sleeper wagons (14), are pulled forward into the renewal gap (17) by the cleaning machine (11) and deposited on the cleaned ballast bed (3). The new sleepers (27) are laid down on the cleaned ballast bed and connected to the new rails (29) lifted off the ballast bed (3).

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for renewing a track and cleaning a ballast bed ( 3 ), comprising the following steps:
 a) lifting an old track off the ballast bed in sections as a track panel is, transported forward in a working direction and deposited on track panel wagons, 
 b) cleaning the exposed ballast bed, forming a renewal gap, by a cleaning machine, spoil accruing in the process is transported forward underneath the track panels deposited on the track panel wagons ( 8 ), and stored in hopper cars, 
 c) pulling new rails, pre-deposited underneath new sleepers positioned on sleeper wagons, forward into the renewal gap by the cleaning machine and deposited on the cleaned ballast bed, and 
 d) laying down the new sleepers on the cleaned ballast bed and connected to the new rails lifted off the ballast bed. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1  wherein, by means of a gantry crane provided for transport of the new sleepers in the working direction, the new rails are pulled in pairs into a front transfer position for being received by the cleaning machine.