June 2009
The real machine can do turnouts, so the workheads can be split, with the outer halves swivelling out on a "wrist" so that they can tamp the long sleepers. The inner halves slide sideways to dodge the rails crossing under the machine.
Ahead of the clamp frame, under the operators cabin, is a telescopic lifting arm with a wheel and clamp on the end. This follows the diverging rail, and clamps and lifts it in sync. with the main clamp frame, so that a turnout is lifted evenly. The various photos shows the heads swung in and out, and the lifting arm posed and stowed. One photo also shows the "can-can" tines on the tamping head, which may be selected hydraulically in the prototype to get into tight spaces around frogs etc.
Edited by: Russell on 03/07/2009
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