Railroad track shifter - GIF and photos

[hemmjo]

That is fascinating. So many questions now!! Apparently they do that kind of thing after enough to have build that machine to use.

Just from looking, it is difficult to imagine how it can generate enough lateral force to move the track rather than just following the track.

Do you suppose that track was pushed out of alignment by flood waters, or earthquake? Perhaps by coastal erosion? Or did they just want the track in a different location?

Is the train electric with those uprights attached to the track ties?

In the bottom photo, those are some long crossties. They appear to span at least 4 rails, possibly 6. The machine appears to be moving all 6 at the same time.

Crazy!!

[IntheGroove]

"Do you suppose that track was pushed out of alignment by flood waters, or earthquake? Perhaps by coastal erosion? Or did they just want the track in a different location?"

It appears that that is in an open pit mine...