What do you call this?

[mobarbq]

Taken at approximately 1230PM CDST 21 May 2012 at tracks at E. Division Street in Springfield; two miscellaneous vehicles southbound on tracks.
The first bore a "porta-potty" - had never seen this before, and the one behind it seemed to have some sort of sucking mechanism engaged.

Also have a picture taken from the end, as the two proceeded south on the tracks.

 

[markgillings]

The machines are anchor adjusters made by Racine Railroad Products.
http://www.racinerailroad.com/PDF/Dual_Anchor_Adjuster.pdf

The two machines in the pictures are near the end of the tie gang and are squeezing the rail anchors tight against the new ties.

 

[mobarbq]

Thanks for the info!

 

[LoganTrackdog]

And the self cleaning port-a-potty is made by Paxton-Mitchell in Blair, Nebraska.

 

[UP Scott]

Hey Mark, long time for me, but just what gets squezzed? In the link picture it looks like the tie plate gets aligned with the tie, but if the spike is already in place, what moves? BTW, is Tie Plate and Anchor the same thing in this case? You MOW guys always have the coolest toys don't you...

The machines are anchor adjusters made by Racine Railroad Products.
http://www.racinerailroad.com/PDF/Dual_Anchor_Adjuster.pdf

The two machines in the pictures are near the end of the tie gang and are squeezing the rail anchors tight against the new ties.

 

[bcp]

Hey Mark, long time for me, but just what gets squezzed? In the link picture it looks like the tie plate gets aligned with the tie, but if the spike is already in place, what moves? BTW, is Tie Plate and Anchor the same thing in this case? You MOW guys always have the coolest toys don't you...

From:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/55-20/ch7.htm

 

[Crow]

BTW, is Tie Plate and Anchor the same thing in this case?

No, a tie plate is what sits on the tie that holds the rail. An anchor is a clip on the rail that is tight against the tie. Spikes keep the rails from moving out (wide gauge) and anchors keep the rail from moving laterally.

 

[UP Scott]

BCP & Crow,
Thanks for the info. I remember the clips now, it's been some time and I forgot about them. My Bad! Anyway, that's a great site you linked to BCP. I'll have to take some time to read more there since it covers a lot of ground. I remember the clips now and I think someone said they were to keep the ties from moving, but that doesn't make sense, since the ties are held with the ballast. Great info and I always enjoy learning more...