How does a train get on the tracks?

Question

After they build a train how does it get on the tracks...is it built there?

Answer 1

hog head got it right on the money

Answer 2

they actually build them ON the rail

there are subassemblies, bodies, frames etc.  but they are all put together directly on the truck assemblies so there is no need to put them on the track.

Answer 3

Initially, they're built on tracks. If they're derailed they get picked up by large cranes.

Answer 4

They use kind of like a crane to put them on the tracks.

Answer 5

Rolling stock is built then placed upon the trucks.  They are not attached.  The weight of the car keeps it on the wheels.

Locomotives are usually built upside down, doing the work that will be under the loco first.  After all is done below the frame, it is turned over and the other elements of the locomotive are added.

Re-railing derailed equipment is a different story.  If a car has dropped at set of wheels, if minor and remaining close to the rails, blocking material, consisting primarily of wood blocks and chains, can be placed to "walk" the derailed wheels back on the rail.  There are also two types (the "Budda" and the "butterfly") of large steel devices called "frogs" that may be necessary to walk a heavier car on, or even walk a locomotive truck back on.

If a car's truck has been turned, yet still near the rail, as the car is pulled on, a "slewing" cable is attached to turn the truck as it moves, with the other end tied of to a tractor or some other kind of heavy equipment to align the wheels to the rail so the truck will "throw on."

When cars are semi-scattered, a hi-rail, 200 ton crane is employed when heavy lifting is needed.  Though there are still some steam derricks left, their use is infrequent.  I have seen these new wonders suck an SD-45 right out of the mud, one end at a time.

When there is a major pile up with cars scattered all over the place, they bring in the big Cats and they just shove the stuff out of the way to get the line open.  These cars are usually cut up for scrap on the spot.