Apparatus for replacing rail fastening elements and, optionally, rails

An apparatus for replacing track rails fixed to ties with old rail fastening elements at a predetermined track gauge by track rails fixed to the ties with new rail fastening elements at said gauge, which comprises

• (a) a train of a plurality of track-bound cars mounted for mobility along the track rails at said gauge in an operating direction and one of the cars being a carrier frame comprising
• (1) two pivotal frame parts and
• (2) a pivoting axle extending substantially perpendicularly to a plane defined by the track rails and interconnecting the pivotal frame parts for pivotal movement with respect to each other,
• (b) an assembly line of a series of individual operating mechanisms arranged spacedly and sequentially on the track-bound cars, each of the operating mechanisms including vertically movable tools mounted on the cars and centered over their work, the assembly line comprising, in sequence,
• (1) a first one of the individual operating mechanisms including tools for detaching the old rail fastening elements from the ties, the removed rail fastening elements leaving holes in the ties,
• (2) another one of the individual operating mechanisms for lifting the rails at gauge and for spreading the lifted rails beyond the track gauge, the first and other operating mechanisms being arranged on a forward one of the frame parts, as seen in the operating direction,
• (3) means for working on the ties mounted on the carrier frame, the tie working means including an operating mechanism for plugging the holes in the ties and an operating mechanism for adzing the ties,
• (4) an additional one of the individual operating mechanisms for placing the track rails on the plugged and adzed ties at said gauge,
• (5) a further one of the individual operating mechanisms including tools for applying the new rail fastening elements to fix the track rails to the plugged and adzed ties, the additional and further operating mechanisms being arranged on a rear one of the frame parts, as seen in the operating direction, and
• (6) respective tie holding devices associated with the tie working means and the first operating mechanism.