Rail train

Abstract

A rail train for supporting multiple sticks of ribbon rail comprises a plurality of rail support cars having a single, centrally positioned rail support stand wherein adjacent rail support cars are supported on shared trucks. End cars include a tunnel for supporting the rails near their ends and one or more rail support arms pivotal at a first end about two axis and supporting a rail guide assembly at a second end for supporting a rail as it is pulled of the rail train. A rail tie-down car utilizes spring-loaded, hydraulically actuated clamp assemblies to clamp individual rails to the tie-down car. Each clamp assembly incorporates at least two clamp members which act opposite one another to prevent the rail secured in place by the clamps from sliding in either longitudinal direction.

1 . A rail train for transporting a plurality of rails comprising:
 a) a plurality of rail support cars, each rail support car having a single rail support stand projecting upward therefrom for supporting a plurality of ribbon rails thereon; said single rail support stand comprising the only structure on each of said rail support cars providing vertical support for and lateral restraint of the plurality of ribbon rails supported thereon;   b) adjacent rail support cars supported on a shared truck.   
     
     
         2 . The rail train as in  claim 1  wherein each of said rail support cars is approximately thirty feet long and the spacing between said single rail support stands on adjacent rail support cars is approximately thirty feet. 
     
     
         3 . The rail train as in  claim 1  wherein said single rail support stand on each rail support car extends across a center thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The rail train as in  claim 1  wherein said single rail support stand on each rail support car extends in spaced relationship from a center thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The rail train as in  claim 1  further comprising a clamp car having a plurality of clamps; each clamp having a clamping member and a spring urging said clamping member into clamping engagement with one of the rails to clamp the ribbon rail to said clamp car and further including an actuator operable to selectively advance said clamp member out of clamping engagement of the rail to said clamp car and against the force of said spring. 
     
     
         6 . The rail train as in  claim 1  further comprising a clamp car having a plurality of clamps; each clamp having a clamping member and an actuator connected to a clamp base; said actuator operable to selectively advance said clamp member into and out of clamping engagement with one of the rails supported on the rail train.