Track Inspection Gauge, Level Boards and Rail Bright Bands

The silver aluminum gauge in the video is called a Level Board. My Geismar Track Inspection Gauge is a combination level board and gauger.

The Bright Band is also called the running surface or the rail tread. It is the longitudinal band where the rolling stock wheels make contact with the rail head.

When I make my weekly track inspections watching where on the surface of the rail head the bright band runs is one of the things I watch for.

Too much bright band on one rail or the other indicates an unbalanced condition in normal track cross level.

As an example, a bright band that has too much surface area on the low rail and not a fairly equal amount on the high rail indicates too much super elevation in that curve or section of track.

[ScoutCrafter]

Youtube has shown me just how much I don't know about the world I live in.... Great video!

[espeescotty]

I can't add anything that hasn't already been said in the comments, so I'll just repeat a couple. Really informative as usual and fascinating. You are a living breathing railroading encyclopedia, Dave. Thanks buddy. 🛤️👍

[stlfomoco]

Thanks Dave. I learn something new with each of your videos. You really have a knack for doing these and you would make an excellent instructor. You make them, we'll continue to watch!

[KB-gszi]

Sir Dave !!! Thanks for the info & explanations !!!! Have a great week & ""KEEP IT SAFE ""!!

[davidflanagan]

I really enjoy your channel I keep learning new things about railroads and trains and I like it.

[georei]

Awesome information. You never let me down with your knowledge. Keep em' rollin

[jjxtwo]

That was sure interesting. It never ceases to amaze me how much great information you manage to get into one video. I really appreciate seeing the tools. What a great design. No wonder it's top of the line. I would probably trip over the old gauge and land on the expensive one! 🙄 Dave I really enjoyed this one as always, Thanks

[stevestar]

Years ago I worked at a mill that had daily rail service - seemed quite frequently there was a rail contractor checking the rail gauge throughout the property. His focus was always on a hard turn leading into the mill, if you happened to be there while loaded cars were being interchanged the noise from the wheels would make your ears burn.
Thanks for the insight on what you're looking for above just the gauge spacing.

[michaelmorgan]

Yes. Definitely. We love the fact you show us these videos. Helpful when designing layouts and painting my railroad pictures like I do.

[repairsecrets]

When I worked on the Weyerhaeuser section from the mill to main line we had a gauge that was just two fingers on a fork on one end and a single finger on the other end. We had a level like your old one and used it occasionally. The section boss showed me what it was for, how it was used and then he showed me how bad the road bed was and how badly it was rotted out. The company did away with the line about a year of so later and went to all trucking. The engine and caboose was donated to a railway historical organization and I think so were all those tools. I love that fancy level you are showing. Thanks for the video.

[russelltrupia]

This was a awesome video great demo. and info. I enjoy all you videos . Great job my friend.

[dock_yard]

Another great video. Keep ‘em coming when you can!

[dd]

Love these videos! I've started using your tag line at my own work. Something happens I just look at my coworkers and say: "That's railroading!"

[stretchlimo]

Wow this video was very interesting, once again I never realized how important super elevation is for turns and track speed. Love your videos my man, thanks for the hard work and detailed explanations in these videos👍🏼😎

[petezapadka]

I can't believe how much I've learned from you. Keep up the good work!

[bobblenuts]

Great info, this video made me think about rollercoasters (especially higher speed) and how they must inspect their tracks. If it's an old wooden coaster it must have a totally different flex & expansion rate compared to newer steel coasters. Thanks Dave, this is one of my favorite videos.

[chadgeorge]

Didn't know that. My uncle worked track gang. Never told me this. But I bet he knew. Again great video. 👍

[capttom]

WELL ALRIGHT ! YT put y'all back on my "RECOMENDED" page!
Dave; You have a "TRUE KNACK" for teaching. You took a simple subject and turned it into a "Learning Experience"! I am happy to have finally relocated your channel again. I never could have imagined there was so much to running a RailRoad ! "Who-da-thunk-it?!?! I'm gonna have to do some catch up on your take it the derailment is all cleaned up?

[davidbass]

Hello Dave another great video track inspections are an absolute must for safety seems the more I watch the more there is to learn thanks for sharing my friend

[michaelmorgan]

In Tehachapi, it seems like they're always and forever changing rails, usually the "high" or outer rails first, as they get mushroomed out of shape after a while, or worn from all the sand having to be used for traction. Especially around the loop. Those trains do well to be able to maintain 25 mph on the hill. Too fast and it will run off the cliff, too slow and it will clothesline.