Question Regarding Sperry Rail Service and Railroad M.O.W

[AntonioFP45]

I saw a Sperry Car up close during the early 80s, here in Tampa. The yellow and black car was a rebuild from a Gas Electric "Doodlebug" and contained equipment that could scan the rails for internal cracks and fissures.

I've always been curious as to how the relationship between Sperry and the Class 1 Railroad M.O.W service works? Do railroads like CSX and NS contact Sperry and regularly schedule them to run the railcar on mainlines once a year, or do railroad M.O.W crews pretty much handle rail detection and Sperry is contacted only on an "as needed" basis.

Also, am I correct in assuming that if a Sperry Car is being used, the Sperry crew's chief coordinates the job with a railroad M.O.W crew's foreman?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Well, I know Norfolk Southern works with Sperry on the NS Pittsburg Line, so I am guessing yes for the first question. But I dont know the answer for the second one.

[dehusman]

The railroad contracts with Sperry to test the rail.

The railroad develops a testing schedule and then the railroad arranges to run the Sperry car over the railroad. Normally a railroad representative rides with the Sperry car whenever it moves.

Dave H.

[mudchicken]

The testing cycle is determined by train frequency, how many MGT and are there passenger trains involved. Railroads tend to do more than the minimums in the addenda under 49CFR213. Similar rules apply to geometry car runs.

You also have Herzog (IC/Santa Fe's old Utra-Sonic program) and DAPCO (electromagnetic) units out there along with Sperry (electromagnetic)

[AntonioFP45]

Guys thanks for the info.

Mudchicken, I see that there is a lot involved in maintaining track safety!

Here's something interesting. I went to www.railpictures.net and on the Key Word box I just typed in: Sperry. There a 3 pages of nice photos! Check them out!

I was surprised in seeing that Sperry also uses Trucks in addition to the Doodlebugs. The high rail trucks are painted in the same yellow & black scheme. It does make sense to use trucks as they are very flexible with the option of being able to get on and off the tracks.

10-4, amigos! [C):-)][tup]