Re: EBT late-August update

To "Dress a track". This is to line all the ties to a straight line on one side and let the other side vary a little as all ties are not of the same length.
The side varies as to which side is best by benefit of the straight alignment. It is always the outside on double track. Often right side on No. 1 track from the main terminal

Benefit: The track looks better. But the big benefit is the ability to use a Jordan spreader or other machine to cut and slop the embankments without hitting a long tie.

Method: Have someone use a fixed length stick and a piece of chalk and mark every tie before inserted so that it is placed in the right spot when it is shoved under the rails. Most of these ties are being inserted by a machine and it is just a small matter to line them up.