Track working machine for the controlled lowering of a track

A track working machine for controlled lowering of a track comprised of two rails fastened to ties supported on ballast, which comprises

• (a) a machine frame,
• (b) at least one undercarriage supporting the machine frame on the track for mobility in an operating direction,
• (c) a track stabilization unit for compacting the ballast whereby the track is lowered, the track stabilization unit being vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame and including rail-engaging roller tools subjected to substantially horizontal vibrations extending transversely to the machine frame and the track,
• (d) a broom vertically adjustably mounted on the machine frame immediately ahead of the track stabilization unit in the operating direction, the broom being rotatable about an axis extending transversely to the machine frame and the track,
• (e) a track leveling reference system for controlling the lowering of the track, the reference system comprising a front axle measuring the track level and the broom being mounted behind the measuring axle in the operation direction, and
• (f) a continuous action ballast tamping machine comprising a further machine frame supported on the track by front and rear undercarriages for mobility in the operating direction, the machine frame on which the track stabilization unit is mounted being a trailer having a front end adjacent the broom connected to, and supported on, the further machine frame and a rear end supported by an undercarriage, the track stabilization unit being mounted between the rear undercarriage of the further machine frame and the undercarriage supporting the rear end of the machine frame.