Amtrak’s ballast hoppers and side dump cars are critical to maintaining track structure and stability. These specialized cars transport and distribute crushed stone ballast along the right-of-way, ensuring proper drainage and alignment.

During the week, a regular crew transports equipment between Amtrak’s Wilmington Locomotive Shop and the Bear Car Shop. This equipment may include Amfleet passenger cars in need of repair, Concrete Tie Cars for the Track Laying Machine (TLM), and other specialized rolling stock.

Two Amtrak MP15 locomotives haul a loaded Herzog Continuously Welded Rail (CWR) train southbound on the Hudson Line.

Used to maintain ballast and improve ride quality, undercutting is a specialized process requiring dedicated equipment. Seen here, a Balfour Beatty undercutter and Amtrak MS40 material cars are pushed through Groton en route to Mystic, Connecticut.

Amtrak’s P-811 Track Laying Machine (TLM) is a highly specialized piece of equipment used for installing new track with speed and precision. Capable of placing ties and rail simultaneously, the P-811 streamlines the track construction process by reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency.