I worked on the BN, Welding Crew #3 for about 4 years. These men seem to be doing similar work. Joints are pounded by multiple trains, often causing fractures on the rail ends. They must be repaired by blowing out the fracture, building up the rail, then grinding the weld until it is flush with the top of the rail. Then, the ends of the rail are cut, and beveled slightly to allow more punishment to the rail ends. Ribbon steel has eliminated much of necessary track welding, but a crew is necessary for maintenance on rail-ends and frogs.
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