Two machine arrangement for track tamping in switches having track lifting units mounted only on first machine

A mobile track tamping machine arrangement comprising

• (a) a first machine and a second machine, each machine comprising
• (1) an elongated machine frame supported on undercarriages running on the track,
• (2) a drive means for moving the machine frame in an operating direction along the track, the first machine preceding the second machine in the operating direction and the machine frame of the first machine being longer than that of the second machine, and
• (3) vertically adjustable track tamping tool units mounted on each machine frame, the tamping tool units mounted on the longer machine frame being transversely adjustable sideways beyond the longer machine frame,
• (b) a detachable coupling connecting facing ends of the machine frames,
• (c) a track leveling and lining unit operable to correct the track position,
• (d) a leveling and lining reference system controlling the operation of the track leveling and lining unit,
• (e) an auxiliary rail lifting device mounted on the longer machine frame for engaging a rail of a branch track adjacent the track, the auxiliary rail lifting device being adjustable for vertical and transverse adjustment thereof,
• (f) drive means for transversely adjusting the tamping tool units on the longer machine frame and the auxiliary rail lifting device,
• (g) a respective operator's cab mounted on the longer machine frame immediately ahead of, and behind, the transversely adjustable tamping tool unit, and
• (h) an operator's cab at an end of each machine opposite to the facing ends of the machine frames.