This specialized consist is dispatched to build, repair, or clear the railroad right-of-way. It typically hauls ballast hoppers, flatcars loaded with replacement ties or rail, side-dump cars for earthmoving, and heavy track machinery. These trains operate under special track warrants that allow them to occupy a block of the main line for hours at a time while the maintenance gangs perform their duties.
Dispatcher, work train extra 4012 East is tied up in the siding, we're in the clear for the manifest.
Related terms
MOW
Maintenance of way: the department and crews that build and maintain track, bridges and roadbed.
Ballast wagon
A specialized piece of rolling stock designed to transport and drop crushed stone onto the track bed.
Track warrant
A written authority from the dispatcher, copied by radio, that lets a train occupy a set stretch of main track.