Freight Train Car...?

Question

I live in Adelaide, Australia, and there are always these 4WD cars that are modifyed to go on the railroad tracks, that go along the freight train line. What are these things called? (You don't have to live in adelaide to answer, i'm sure they're probably all around Australia or the world).

Answer 1

they also call them track skates in the US ..

Answer 2

In the US, it is called a High-Rail car or a High-Railer.  Comes from being able to drive on the (High)way or (Rail)road.

But, they can be cars, trucks, cranes or other pieces of equipment.

After securing permission and protection, the vehicle is aligned with the direction of the tracks with the vehicle atop a grade crossing, the rail wheels are lowered and locked into place on the rails, allowing the rear tyres to make contact with the rail for traction while suspending the front tyres above the rail, and away ya go...

Answer 3

They are called MOW or Maintenance Of Way vehicles in the US. They carry workers to job sites along the line.

Answer 4

Hi-Rail Vehicle is the proper term for a car that can be driven on a railway.

Answer 5

In the UK we have road-rail vehicles which can run on either. The rail wheels can be raised (when the vehicle is on the road) or lowered (when it is on the rails). They have been around in one form or another since the 1930s when commercial vehicle builder Karrier built a road-rail bus and leased it to the London Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS).

Nowadays they are used for rail maintenance and can often be seen parked when out of use by the side of the tracks.

Not to be confused with road vehicles, e.g. cars, tractors, buses, which have had their road wheels removed and replacement rail wheels fitted. Used in the US and elsewhere as inspection vehicles for the track gangs, light passenger rail cars, light shunting (switching) engines, etc.

Answer 6

I'm an Engineer in the U.S.. My neighbor and good friend is a track inspector for another railroad. Sometimes I'll ride along with him in his HighRail on my days off. His is a Ford pick up truck. The HighRails are quick and easy to get on and off the tracks.