Railroad thermite welding

No matter how advanced or ingenious the tools are, seems like the 'hammer' is always essential.

Watched years ago and here I am again.. Great video.

so many steps, tools, and time to do just one, cant even imagine doing an entire road, mad respect

Over 140 years later and we're still using thermite-it really has stood the test of time.

I don't know how, but I always find my way back to this video.

Fantastic, I studied this process 50 years ago as a welding apprentice but never saw it before, this joining of railway lines was the only application it was used for then. For those that do not understand welding, it is still done today as before because while the set up is slower the overall process is faster than a manual process, the rail contour would be a pain to manually weld and dam. Thermite welding deposits a very high quality weld and not to forget this is a "Hatfield Steel" an 11 - 14% Manganese steel, not so easy, except of course to you experts out there. 

This is the appropriate amount of talking on the job.

Would've been nice to see the finished job.

2 things comes to mind.. what a beautiful Railroad journey this would be and truly hardworking people these are!! 🙏🙏🙏

Thank you for your knowledgeable reply Simon. Many decades ago, when I was a teen, I spoke with a chemist who told me that decades earlier this method was used to weld trolley tracks.

Best thermite weld video on the “Tube.” Unlike some others, these guys know what they’re doing!

That was ace! I had no idea that's how they welded train tracks. Thanks for the upload Wolfgang.

Now that is a complete joint penetration weld! Love the precast rail ties too.

I Thermite Welded for the CNR back in 1981-82 (then Joint Welding and Magnesium Frogs). It was very similar to this video except for the crucible. Ours were much more antiquated ! But the Molds, Shields, Slag Pots and Packing Paste appear "almost" identical. We used Hot Cut and Sledge for knocking the over-welds off but eventually were rewarded and equipped with (what appear to be the very same) hand-powered Sheers and ultimately Powered Sheers.

Really cool video!!

holy beans ... this was intense work!... and these folks have such skill .. make it look easy 🤙🤙🤙

3:30 That's what I need for my toenails.

The ending is so unsatisfying. Show us the damn result!

There must be a lot of sprained ankles and knees in this job. Moving heavy, awkward equipment around between rails and ties it's just a matter of time.

Love how it turned out!