Ben,
The pictures were taken an another railway we are friends with
Pithiviers Rly
Since we have a good track team, we help them with their track one time every year or so. Their rail is 20kg/m and they indeed have too much space between the ties. After a long time negleting the track, the new team is back on a good effort with it.
Here at Rillé
Rillé Rly even if we lay heavier rail (former standard gauge rail from 30 to 50 kg/m), we lay the ties 70-80cm apart center to center.
About the tamper, I really think looking to import two chinese units and build the frame to your needs would be the best way. Google « chinese tamper unit » and you will find some leads. I can give you the name of the french company if you want to get a quote. In any case, there will be to deal with customs, import procedures and so on...
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Sebastien
SNCF passenger trains engineer
Volunteer on the "Chemin de Fer de Rillé" (60cm/2ft, France)
www.aecfm.fr
cfrtrain.blogspot.fr