May 1953 page 17

[headlines span both columns]
RAILROAD TRACKS . . .
They have been greatly improved over the years

[photo of 3 workers and construction crane working on tracks]
CONSTRUCTION and upkeep of roadway like
this takes 18% of operating expenditures.

STRONG, safe and smooth-riding
track is the very foundation of ef-
ficient railroading. For a century and
more railroad engineers and metal-
lurgists have been seeking constantly
to effect improvements in the roadway
and track—improvements in rail, rail
fastenings, frogs, switches, ties, ballast-
ing, drainage and other parts of the
railway structure, including bridges,
trestles, culverts and tunnels.

As a result of technological advance-
ments, the modern railway track is
far better, far stronger and much safer
than was the track of a generation ago.
Improvements to the track have made it
possible to operate much heavier lo-
comotives and trains and at greater
speeds than would otherwise be pos-
sible.

Maintenance a big problem

Nevertheless, the problem of keep-
ing track in good condition is as great
today as ever before. This is because
the same elements of destruction and
decay that were at work in the past
are at work today—namely, water,
moisture, vegetation, weather, insects
and mechanical wear. Against these
destroyers the railroads must wage un-
ceasing warfare.

Moreover, the railway organization
must be prepared to marshal its forces
and equipment to meet any disaster
which may occur or any emergency
which may interrupt or impede normal
railway operations. Like a fire or police
department, the railroad must be ever

18 SEMAPHORE