Track surfacing machine for the controlled lowering of the track

A continuously advancing track surfacing machine for the controlled lowering of a track supported on ballast, which comprises

• (a) a machine frame supported on undercarriages on the track for mobility in an operating direction and having a front end in the operating direction,
• (b) a drive for propelling the machine frame continuously along the track in said direction,
• (c) a power-actuated, vertically adjustable track stabilization assembly connected to the machine frame behind the front end and spaced therefrom, the track stabilization assembly including means for applying a vertical load to the track and means for vibrating the track in a substantially horizontal direction extending transversely to the track,
• (d) a track leveling reference system including a measuring axle running on the track,
• (e) a first cross level measuring element arranged at the machine frame front end and generating control signals corresponding to the measured cross level at successive reference points along the track as the machine continuously advances,
• (f) a second cross level measuring element arranged adjacent the track stabilization assembly and generating successive signals corresponding to the cross level measured thereby, and
• (g) a control arranged to receive the control signals from the first cross level element, to store the received control signals until the second cross level element has reached the successive reference points, to compare the stored control signals with the successive signals generated by the second cross level element to obtain a reference signal, and to transmit the reference signal for actuating the means for applying a vertical load and for vibrating the track.