Windmill Spiking and Driving Railroad Spikes

Рет қаралды 62,140

Жыл бұрын

See how a Gandy Dancer Drives Railroad Spikes. Windmill Spiking
and driving spikes with a hydraulic spike driver.
Gandies take a lot of pride in how they drive spikes. It is one of the marks
of a good gandy. It's fun to drive spikes with a spike maul or track hammer.
But at the age I am, I've slowed down a considerable bit at driving spikes which
really does not sit well with me. But like Toby Keith sang, "I ain't as good as I once was,
I got a few years on me now. But there was a time, back in my prime,
When I could really lay it down."
Link to watch video on All About Railroad Spikes
• All about Railroad Spikes
I do apologize for the very last clip in this video. It was really cold and
it seemed like the camera goofed up and caused the clip to look and
sound like it was in slow motion. The driver actually did better and
sounded better than what was displayed. Thank you so much for watching,
we really do appreciate it.
Made December 2022
Disclaimer: I am an employee of Iron Synergy at Cumberland
Mine. My job is railroad track maintenance. I am very fortunate to
have this job and everyone at the mine is very fortunate to have
Iron Synergy as it's current owner. Our past owners had every
intention of shutting this mine down, but Iron Synergy took
over and have kept this mine alive.
Please understand: I am NOT in any way an official or unofficial
spokes person for Iron Synergy or Cumberland Mine. Any viewpoints,
opinions or anything that I show in the videos, or write in the video
descriptions or any answer to any comment, should NEVER be
misconstrued or interpreted as being in any way shape or form,
any kind of official or unofficial statement from Iron Synergy,
Cumberland Mine, any of the mine's management, any of the
contractors that may be shown in any video, nor of any of
my fellow co-wokers.
Any viewpoints or opinions I may make in the videos, in the descriptions,
or in any answer to a comment is strictly that of my own and NOT an
official or unofficial statement or viewpoint that Iron Synergy or
any one at Iron Synergy or Cumberland Mine necessarily has or makes.
Again, we are very fortunate to have Iron Synergy as our current owners.
Please, when making a comment be respectful of Iron Synergy, Cumberland
Mine, my fellow coworkers and also any contractors that may be
shown. Thank You, Dave
#GandyDancer#DriveSpikes#RailroadSpikes#WindmillSpiking

Пікірлер: 547

@rebelrailroader Жыл бұрын

Dave great video, thanks for sharing. Another thing about setting and driving spikes straight up and down is you can change the track gauge with a spike. That was probably the most common method we used to adjust gauge.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Zach for the excellent point and one I neglected to mention. You are right we can adjust gauge with spiking if it's not too far out of gauge. Always is a pleasure to have you visit with me my good friend.

@terrymcnaughton1430 Жыл бұрын

Dave,have ya heard that song by Jonny cash,the legendary of John Henry hammer? I heard it first time other night.

@darnoldie Жыл бұрын

68 1/2 years old?? Shoot, Dave swings that hammer like a youngster. Pretty sure those spikes were begging for mercy.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

LOL darnoldie, I was the one begging for mercy.... Back in my prime tho might have been a different story. Thank you my friend for the very kind words. We really appreciate all the wonderful support you have given the channel.

@Bassotronics Жыл бұрын

Remember, under all those clothes is pure Perdue class 10 muscle.

@dangeary2134 Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700I’m about to turn 59 in a few months. I still split my own firewood for the SHOP, which requires about three face cord per week. Interesting how the actual work is so easy when you have the physics down. I always classed a perfect follow-through as when my axe (double bit, 8 lb head), goes through the splits, and sticks in the chopping block, ready for the next log to split! I see no difference in the dynamics, save that the spiking is a bit lower to the ground.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

@@dangeary2134 😊❤️👌💪

@kenkannon5630 Жыл бұрын

If you want to continue to age well, then keep doing what you do -- Make money, plus the money you save not having to join a spa

@CSltz Жыл бұрын

I laugh every time I see something like this. When I first started with u.p. I got the nickname lightning. Not because I was fast. I just couldn’t hit the same place twice! Best job I ever had.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

I miss when I lose my focus, mostly when my hat starts to fall off and that makes me think about my hat instead of the spike. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@gasperajdnik8004 3 ай бұрын

My dad has been doing railroad repairs for over 30 years and he still does it , hes one hard working man. Good video 👍👍

@ccrx6700 3 ай бұрын

That's awesome to hear Gasper. I'm certain your dad is a very hard working man. Kudos to him, we need more folks like him. Thanks so much for writing in and for taking the time to check out the video my friend.

@gasperajdnik8004 3 ай бұрын

Amen

@pauld.1256 Жыл бұрын

Very nice to see a bit of manual spike driving.. my grandfather did this job with three other spike drivers and they always had a rhythmic cadence when working them…. It was a competition to see who would miss… and misses were RARE!!

@geraldblackburn4883 Жыл бұрын

Yes My Grandpa, worked the Rails a LONG time, 40 years, guess, and he did OK, hit by a truck, destroyed his back. He could not do much in the 60's and today he would have done much better, much better treatments.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Those guys back then that did everything by hand all day long were tough as nails. Things are a lot easier nowadays thank goodness, we still do some hand stuff but I do like hydraulics. Thank you so much my friend for visiting with us

@espeescotty Жыл бұрын

Not sure if you've seen it Dave, but years ago, Mike Rowe and his show Dirty Jobs went to the Modoc Railroad Academy where they were teaching him track working skills and spiking with a maul was one of the things, they were showing him. If I remember correctly, I think he ended up breaking the heads off of 2 spike mauls in 5 to 6 swings! Technique and practice and muscle memory evolve into this becoming an earned skill. Thanks, Dave. 👍

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Cool Scotty I had not seen that one. I used to love Mike's Dirty Jobs shows. I even wrote him many years ago and suggested he come out and work with me, but never heard back from him. Everyone breaks handles learning to spike, no exceptions. One of the first things you learn when spiking is how to replace a handle! Thanks so much for watching my friend.

@espeescotty Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 That's cool that you suggested that he and his crew come out there to work with you. I really wish now that he had. Maybe it was your suggestion about track work that got them to go and look into the Modoc Academy. Anyway, now you've got your own "show" and you are educating and entertaining many weekly viewers. Isn't that an awesome thing about KZfaq, you can produce your own shows and meet people from all around the world in the process.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

@@espeescotty 👍😊

@rearspeaker6364 Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 he's out again, give him a second try.

@shirleyharrington-moore9657 Жыл бұрын

It's an old newfangled exercise machine. Gives you muscle, kills the flab. You railroaders have been hiding your secret weapon for flab reduction, Dave! 😊

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

If that's the case then it sounds like I need to do a lot more spiking....LOL Appreciate so much your checking the spike driving video out today Shirley.

@valeriebassett3107 Жыл бұрын

You always do an excellent job explaining everything. Thank you so much Dave. Have a Happy New Year!!! You always tell your viewers how much you appreciate us, but we REALLY APPRECIATE YOU!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Without great viewers like you Valerie this channel would be nothing more than something for me to watch when I retire. you're the best and I hope Steve had a smile on his face tonight. :-) If nothing else, you beat Pappy tonight LOL

@kentjackson5995 Жыл бұрын

We did not spike over the rail

@tomeasley5979 Жыл бұрын

Dave, great video! Thanks for explaining all about the spikes and the tools. You still have it! Take care.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Tom for the very nice comment. Nice to hear you enjoyed the spike show. We certainly appreciate your watching my friend.

@lewruss7614 Жыл бұрын

Dave, great images in your video. I worked for a railroad tool distributor for 47 years. Please allow me to help with your tool descriptions. Your 'track hammer' is actually an 8 pound 'standard pattern's spike maul. Still works great on rail of 115 lb. or less. Your 'spike maul' is a 10 pound 'bell pattern' spike maul. They were originally forged from a 'carbon' steel and today from grade "B" "S5" tool steel that is heat treated and liquid quenched to a specific Burnell hardness. These are useful on today's main line rail, usually 132 or 141 lb., which is much taller. Your 'B&O' punch is actually a 'Back Out' punch. It is used in conjunction with a sledge hammer to drive 'stuck' switch / track bolts and drift pins out of bolt holes in the rail. You might want to check out A.R.E.M.A. for guidelines on railroad tools and their usage. Hope it helps...

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Lew for the awesome comment. Since this is a coal mine, that's what the warehouse calls it a track hammer, but have no idea where they buy them from. Coal mine terminology and RR terminology are sometimes a bit different. We've used the B&O many times to drive stubborn bolts out of joints, it's a handy dandy little tool. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@fatherfoxstrongpaw8968 Ай бұрын

amazing how many cross-overs there are in the rail industry. i do gold mining (small tracks), blacksmithing (track anvils and spikes for knives and other crafts) and vintage tool restoration (hammers and vintage spikes and other rail antiques.) and that's not counting the fact i love riding the rails. amtrack for fun and i used to hop box cars as a kid.

@ccrx6700 Ай бұрын

Sounds very interesting Fatherfox, like my dad used to say, variety is the spice of life. Thank you for taking the time to visit with us and may you have a very good day my friend.

@Bassotronics Жыл бұрын

Dave tricked me into thinking the B&O was going temporarily out of service and he’s talking about the tool. 😆

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

That acronym is fitting B&O now isn't it. Thanks so much my friend for taking the time to watch and write in today.

@Hyrev1 Жыл бұрын

I think driving spikes has kept you a young man Dave! I always appreciate your informative videos showing things the non-railroader would never see. Great video as always! Take care my friend! 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃💯👍

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the very nice comment Jim. Sometimes I don't feel like a young man tho.... :-) Really appreciate your joining in with us to drive some spikes today my friend.

@rearspeaker6364 Жыл бұрын

at 12:41, I think you hit the rail so hard my phone bell rang!! you are the best, Dave! remember, work smarter, not harder.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

I sure can't do what I used to rearspeaker. If could have made this video in my prime, you'd have seen a spike driving machine, instead of an old man in slow motion, but that's getting older. Thanks so much for watching the show my friend.

@davenitsch6094 Жыл бұрын

Very cool Dave, love watching these videos, can't stop watching them!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Dave for all your great comments. We really appreciate your watching my friend.

@russelltrupia4479 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video Dave great info, so enjoyable to watch.👍👍

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Russell for the very kind words. We certainly appreciate all the wonderful support you have given the channel for such a long time now and for all your always positive and uplifting comments my friend.

@fredeisen7401 2 ай бұрын

Very informative and entertaining Dave! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

@ccrx6700 2 ай бұрын

Wish you could have seen me in my prime driving spikes Fred, I'm over the hill now.....:-) Appreciate your watching the show my friend.

@paulbush7095 Жыл бұрын

Go get ‘em young man!! You are an inspiration my friend. Thank you for your service.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Paul for the very kind words. Sure wish I could have made a video of me driving spikes back in my prime, I've slowed down considerable since then. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@briankemp5206 Жыл бұрын

Great video Dave! Thanks for explaining the tools and spikes.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Brian for the very nice comment. Nice to hear you enjoyed the spike show. We certainly appreciate your watching my friend.

@danielroberts881 Жыл бұрын

I love how down to earth your videos are. Started watching for my 5 year old son and just kept watching. Keep them coming and thanks.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Daniel for the really kind words. Maybe your son will grow up to be a railroader! Watch my videos give him an early education.... LOL Hope Santa soon brings him a train set. Really appreciate your watching and writing in my friend. PS: that's how I got my start in railroading with a Lionel Steam train set back in the early 1960's.

@petezapadka Жыл бұрын

Dave, you always show us all of the amazing work necessary to keep the trains running! Thank you -- and Happy New Year!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

When you were here you should have gone with me and done some spiking! That would have made a cool video for your viewers. Thanks so much my friend for taking in the show.

@bassmechanic237 Жыл бұрын

This channel is amazing. I wish I could have worked in the railroad business for a few years just to experience the job and learn new things. But this channel is the 2nd best way to experience it. Thank you Dave.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the very kind words, we are glad you are enjoying the home movies. Always appreciate your paying us a visit and hearing from you my friend.

@martir3499 11 ай бұрын

I love these videos. I have always loved railroads since I was a little girl. I am older now and I still love them., especially how you repair things and such. Thanks Dave. Love these things you show.

@ccrx6700 11 ай бұрын

Your very welcome Martir. Thank you very much for taking the time to visit with us and check out the video my friend.

@johncloar1692 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave my friend for the great video. It wore me out just watching you swing that hammer. I would hate to have to do that all day. Thanks again.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Wore me out too John....:-) I get winded quick anymore so have to take some breaks. Really appreciate the very nice comment and for your watching my friend.

@49commander Ай бұрын

I want to love a job as much as you do! I would love to work with someone like you! Your channel is one of a very few that makes problems into fun adventures! We need more folks like you! Keep up the good work!

@ccrx6700 Ай бұрын

Appreciate the nice comment Brian, that was very kind of you to say that. Glad you could stop by to check out the video my friend.

@JohnC-ur5ut Жыл бұрын

Hello from Queens NYC. I love your videos. You go into great detail and it is clear that you have the skills and knowledge that Only someone who works with their hands would know. Keep it up it's Fantastic.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you John for the very kind words. I'm thrilled to hear you are having a good time with us. We certainly appreciate all your wonderful support of the channel my friend. I will keep it up, got lot's more shows for you this coming year.

@rishken Жыл бұрын

Great video Dave. Learned something new.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Chris for the very nice comment. Glad you enjoyed. We certainly appreciate your stopping by my friend.

@raymondsprengelmeyer1278 Жыл бұрын

It looks like driving spikes is hard work even with a hydraulic hammer! You have to be young and strong like you are to work on the railroad! Thank you for another great video Dave!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Raymond for the very nice comment. Seems like everything on the RR is hard work. Really appreciate all your wonderful support of the channel my friend.

@artillerest43rdva7 Жыл бұрын

neat to see the spiking process! it is neat how it is done, I saw a video of “gandy dancers” on the clinchfiel RR just amazing watching them swing the hammers and how they used long bars to adjust the track. the best part was they chanted as they did their job! I could not believe how they swung the hammers like wind mills, thank you for sharing you in site to how it is done! have a great day! good to be back barry

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Barry for the very nice comment. I'm sorry you had to see me as an old man in slow motion doing this, but it's where I'm at now. Back in my prime if I could have videoed it, you'd have seen a spike driving machine, but did what I could. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@jbigha1 Жыл бұрын

Yes, Dave is really good at windmilling the mall or in his case hammer. I never used a hammer as I worked a long time ago. Getting 2 or three guys windmilling on same spike was fun👍

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

No one else here can spike like that John so I have to wait for a contractor come in to do a tag team, that's a lot of fun, I've never done 3, that would be cool. it is fun to drive spikes

@zsolti9806 Жыл бұрын

I never saw this channel before, but i like the positivity. Great job.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the show. Hope you can sometime check out more of my videos and subscribe if you continue to like them. Very much appreciate your taking the time to watch. kzfaq.info

@yesdeere1376 3 ай бұрын

It doesn’t get much more positive and appreciative and humble and honest than Dave. I have nothing to do with railroads but I watch the videos.

@gogetthegoose1 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. Hope you had a great Christmas !

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Your very welcome gogetthegoose. Glad you enjoyed the show. Christmas as great, I ate too much, but no surprise there, I can use that extra weight for driving more spikes....LOL Hope you also had a great day and may you have a most blessed rest of the holiday season my friend.

@lucgagnon5241 Жыл бұрын

Sir, many thanks for sharing all this with us. I like trains since I'm a kid. I'm now 58 y.o. I'm modeling them in HO scale for the past 40 years. More seriously in the past 30. Even if we see and hear a lot of railrooad "terms" along the process, I'm telling you I learned a LOT in a short period of time watching you on the channel. I knew some but there's soooo much to learn in front ! Thanks again !

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Your very welcome Luc. Thank you for the really nice comment and for taking the time to watch. Happy rails to you until we meet again my friend.

@mikelockhart1827 Жыл бұрын

Dave you had another really good video this evening I really enjoyed it . Dave I you and your family have a good new year .

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Mike for the very kind comment. So glad you liked the show. We certainly appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in and for all you wonderful support you have given the channel my friend.

@trainchasersatwork 5 ай бұрын

Dave you the man, great videos! 😃👍❤️🚂

@ccrx6700 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the really kind words trainchasersatwork. Very much appreciate your taking the time to write in and watch the windmill spiking video my friend.

@BeeLineEast Жыл бұрын

I remember watching the track gang on the Steelton and Highspire R.R. drive spikes . They worked so close together i though someone was going to get hit by a spike maul. Cool video learned something new on spikes.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

It's always a special sight to see that kind of work isn't it Michael. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@paulne1514 4 ай бұрын

I use to be a locomotive crane operator at a steel mill. We would have an average of 3 derailments in an 8 hour shift. ( 1 derailment could be 4 cars in a train). I often worked with the track gang when equipment they needed wasn’t available. One time, after I set the rail down and they started spiking it down, I went over and told one of the guys, “that doesn’t look so hard”. He gave me a spike hammer and told me, have at it. My first 3 swings, I hit the spike, my 4th swing, I hit the rail with the wooden handle. As I went to swing again, he yanked the hammer from my hands, and told me to break someone else’s hammer. Another guy told me that they each had their own hammer. They would burn rings around the handle where they held it. It’s not as easy as it looks! Do you ever use wooden plugs in the tie, where the tie is worn out? One of the Guys told me, they would have a speed swing, pull the tie out and flip it over, or use a plug.

@ccrx6700 4 ай бұрын

I can see those derailments kept you pretty busy on your crane Paul! Wow and I thought we had things bad here. Everyone breaks handles learning how to spike, it takes a lot of practice. And a lot of railroads won't allow you to spike over the rail because of the handles that get broke. Yes we used to use wood plugs all the time, but now we use what is called Sure Spike. It is a powder you pour down in the spike hole, works very well and seals the hole better than a wood plug. Thank you for taking the time to write in and for checking out the video my friend.

@paulne1514 4 ай бұрын

@@ccrx6700 if you ever get the chance, stop in at the Whistle Stop, in Monon, Indiana. It’s a restaurant and railroad museum. The best private collection I’ve ever seen. The original owner passed away, but I believe his daughter runs it now.

@ccrx6700 4 ай бұрын

@@paulne1514 👍😊

@propnotch3466 Жыл бұрын

My first memory of railroad spikes is taking one from a derelict section of railroad in a little park in Arlington, MA, when I was maybe 7. It was loose, so I plucked it out and carried it home!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

That was obviously the appropriate thing to do for an inquisitive young man. But I promise, your deeds will forever remain a secret with me.... :-) Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@propnotch3466 Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 Thank you! I appreciate taking the time to show us how it's done, and to make us all feel welcome in your comments!

@garybrown6897 Жыл бұрын

Hi Dave, first I want to say thanks for all the info on ties. Second I've learned more on track maintenance and machines in the last few months that I've been following you than in the last several years of following railroads. I watch another channel that has to do with watching trains and periodically see maintenance of way equipment. The person filming often asks if anyone knows what they are and what they do so in the comments I tell them to come here. As always keepem on the rails.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Gary for the very nice comment. I'm just happy I can share with you guys some of my experiences and what i have learned over the years. it's very special to me to be able to do that. So glad you are enjoying and we really appreciate all your wonderful support of the channel my friend.

@jasonoliver5388 Жыл бұрын

Dave thanks for another great video you always do a good job explaining everything,

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Your very welcome Jason. Glad you enjoyed. Thanks so much for coming out and driving some spikes with us my friend.

@jasonoliver5388 Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 I have driven a few by hand and doing that's not for the faint of heart

@margaretragle1337 Жыл бұрын

Dave your greatest love watching you and your helpers.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Margaret glad you are enjoying. We really appreciate your taking the time to watch my friend.

@billcochran4072 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this great and informative video Dave! I musta driven a million spikes or more on the industrial copper mine railroad where I worked for 8 years. We had hundreds of miles of track. I strictly worked in the pit where our rail was all 90 lb rail and 133lb out on the main line. We used air hammers on long derailments and in the panel yard on new track panels. What some people may not know is that while hydronic and air hammers hammers are heavy beasts! Thanks again!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill for the awesome comment. At this age of my life, I sure ain't the spike driver I used to be, but back in my prime.... alas. From what we've used over the years the air drivers are better than hydraulic and you are sure right, they are heavy. Really appreciate your visiting with us and writing in my friend.

@jamesford3648 Жыл бұрын

Please Accept my apology, As i said before I am recently New fan. I am going to watch all your videos. Today will be a Nice Relaxing day and will be watching a lot today. Thank you For a Great Channel.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Don't know why you would apologize James for being a new fan, we all started out at one point being new. We really appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and watch. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

@billsmith3195 Жыл бұрын

Another good one Dave. You drive a mean spike for such a young man!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Bill for the kind words. Like someone else said tho, I'm like lightening, never hit the same place twice....LOL Wish I could have made a video back when I was in my prime, but I'm sure you were the same way back then too. I get winded much too quickly and have to take a breather too often. But guess that's gettin old. Always is a pleasure to have you visit with me my friend. Hope all is well in S. Africa.

@halfinchholes88 Жыл бұрын

In the railcar shop, we also used a B&O when knocking out coupler pins or keys. One guy positioned and B&O and the other swung the sledge.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Seems like they are a very useful tool halfinchholes.I have another one that has a square instead of rounded head for driving down spikes that have the heads broke off them. Really appreciate your visiting with us and taking in the spike show my friend.

@halfinchholes88 Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 Talk to the guys in the shop, they'll make you any style of B&O. Our's were shop made.

@rickkeeton9246 9 ай бұрын

Apparently, there’s several names for it, but it’s basically a track punch !

@dorothycole8611 Жыл бұрын

Excellent aim hitting those spikes! Hard work.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks but I miss on occasion, everyone does. When my hard hat falls off I lose my focus. Thanks so much for watching the show.

@nealgold8442 Жыл бұрын

Great video Dave. Very informative!!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Neal. Glad you like the spike driving show. We really appreciate all your wonderful support you have given the channel my friend.

@morse2795 Жыл бұрын

Another really awesome and educational video Dave. We're the same age I noticed. It's so cool to learn about all the equipment and tools you use to maintain the rails.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you William for the very nice comment. Glad you enjoyed the spike driving show. We certainly appreciate your watching my friend.

@christopherleenknecht920 Жыл бұрын

Boy that brings back memories, looks like you're showing off there a we bit 😂. I still have my spike mal.I put a plastic ax handle on it,the guys laughed until they used it. Another great video Dave 👍 👍🚂

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed Christopher. I'm sure you look at that maul and it brings back so many good memories. Really appreciate all the wonderful support you have given the channel my friend. Thank You.

@mustralineabsorbine5082 Жыл бұрын

That was a great video. Its still hard work to replace or install spikes. Thanks sir. :)

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much mustraline, glad to hear you enjoyed. We certainly appreciate your watching and for all your wonderful support of the channel my friend.

@tomedgar4375 Жыл бұрын

Just noticed you have busted 40k subscribed, well deserved for excellent content. Driving stakes like wack a mole!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Tom. it amazes me that many people watch these. But, that's You Tubin....LOL Always is a pleasure to have you visit with us my friend.

@derrickanderson4932 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video Dave great info.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Derrick. Glad you liked the show. We really appreciate your coming along to drive some spikes my friend.

@johnkelley9877 Жыл бұрын

That was very interesting and some hard work using only hand tools! I cannot imagine how hard a job that was before hydraulic tools came along. Thanks for sharing this.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

A lot of gandies were "relieved" when the air spikers came out. Can you imagine driving spikes with a maul all day long in new ties. Those guys were tough as nails. Really appreciate your watching and writing in my friend.

@ericcoffedgp40 Жыл бұрын

Wow Dave great work as always! That was a pretty awesome shot of you driving that spike near the end!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Eric for the nice comment. Believe me I have slowed down driving spikes a lot from back in my prime. Really appreciate all your wonderful support of the channel my friend.

@ericcoffedgp40 Жыл бұрын

@ccrx 6700 That's Railroadin! You're welcome Dave! You never cease to amaze!

@johnsimms6778 Жыл бұрын

Good show Dave. Have a Happy New Year.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much John, very glad you enjoyed the spike driving show. We certainly appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@lewistodd9242 Жыл бұрын

Wow your good with that hammer. Thanks for sharing and have a great day my friend.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Lewis, but wish I could have made a video back in my prime, I sure don't have the stamina I used to. But, that's gettin older....:-) Cannot thank you enough for all your wonderful support you have given us for such a long time now my friend. We do appreciate all your great comments.

@lewistodd9242 Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 lol. I understand the stamina problem. I am approximately 6 months younger than you.

@lolas_bolas3566 Жыл бұрын

cheers from europe (lithuania), love the channel

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Very glad you are enjoying the shows lolas bolas. We very much appreciate all your wonderful support of the channel my friend.

@gutterguru7158 Жыл бұрын

Hi Dave. Another great video. I like your windmill technique. I train new hires how to spike all the time. I train them use axe 🪓 chop technique then slowly encourage them to use windmill technique. I tell them to go knock down “high spikes” to create hand and eye coordination. Look forward to more videos.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly for the very nice comment. I'm sure not the spiker I used to be, wish I could have made a video back in my prime, I've slowed down considerable since then driving. Excellent advice on the training! Keep you eye on the head of the spike. I do lose my focus every time my hat falls off tho...:-) Really appreciate your paying us a visit and watching my friend.

@jamesbrewer2865 Жыл бұрын

Worked on a machine that made rr spikes back in 70's. I enjoy your Vids.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

I would love to see how spikes are made James! That would be awesome to see. Really glad to hear you are having a good time with us. We so much appreciate your wonderful support of the channel my friend. Thank You.

@jtg2737 Жыл бұрын

Hello from TEXAS!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Well JT G, looks like you got a hat trick for being the first one on for 3 times now. Really appreciate all your wonderful support of the channel and may you have a most blessed rest of the holiday season my friend.

@jtg2737 Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 I had not even counted to be honest with you. I will look at the content of the video with more detail later on. I enjoy your videos as you get into terms that I had never heard of. I just like to learn and especially when it deals with railroading! Happy Holidays all the way from San Antonio, TEXAS! God bless!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

@@jtg2737 👍😊

@KC-nd7nt Жыл бұрын

Your 68 ? Dude You look great brother All the best and love the world of trains . I was born a B&O fan being in Baltimore but have no experience around them . Its really neat when someone loves their profession and want to share it with others . Stay safe

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks KC. Sometimes I feel like I'm 90 tho.... body does ache much more than it used to, but that's the way it is. Really appreciate your nice comment and for taking the time to watch my friend.

@NorthernChev Жыл бұрын

That original video about spikes is what brought me to this channel for the first time a year go.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

How cool is that NorthernChev. We certainly appreciate all the wonderful support you have given the channel and for all your nice comments my friend.

@Boilermaker-Rick Жыл бұрын

Awesome video Dave!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Rick. Very glad you enjoyed. We certainly appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@crawwwfishh3284 Жыл бұрын

They throw the old spikes down and cover with new gravel. Yet you pick them up your in trouble. I leave arrow heads lying also. 🤣🤣🤣

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Metal like spikes and old bolts mixed in with the ballast are pretty hard on tamping tools, so we always pick up the OTM. Thanks for taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@rickkeeton9246 9 ай бұрын

The job is never finished until the scrap has been picked up, the ties are tamped, and the ballast has been restored!

@lelandrogers1078 Жыл бұрын

When I was 10 back in the mid 50s my Dad and I went to a derailment at Bolingbroke, Georgia and they had a gang of Gandy Dancers repairing the tracks. Also had a rail car mounted steam crane to lift cars.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Cool Leland, that steam crane a memory that you'll never forget, I sure would like to have seen one in action. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@kennkrizsanitz7820 Жыл бұрын

Nice dave, hope you had a nice Christmas

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Kenn. Christmas was nice, I ate too much but no surprise there....LOL May you and your family have a most blessed rest of the holiday season my good friend.

@mattkinnard6899 Жыл бұрын

That's tough work! At the museum, we were assembling a track panel and three of our gandy dancers went after the spikes perfectly timing their blows so they would not hit each other's hammer. I had seen stuff like that in video, but never in person. It was super neat to see.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

That would be awesome Matt. I've never seen that done. I can two man spike with the right person. No one else here can hand spike so I have to wait for a RR contractor to come in. Gonna try and make a video of us both driving the same spike when I can. 3 guys would take some pretty good coordination. Thanks so much my friend for taking in the show.

@mattkinnard6899 Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 The one guy allegedly broke an arm at home, and had to lean to spike using his left arm only to keep a paycheck coming. He demonstrated so I have no doubt the story is true.

@Santafefrank Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave very interesting 👍

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Your certainly welcome Frank. Glad you enjoyed. We appreciate your coming out and driving some spikes with us my friend.

@StormySkyRailProductions Жыл бұрын

OK Dave. Teasing in this video. You know how much I love spiking. We liked using our Stanley Hydraulic spiker. Great video once again and enjoyed watching and wishing. Have a nice rest of your evening.(Steve)

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Well it could have been you I'd shown..... Too bad we didn't do some tag team spiking when you were here, I never thought of doing that until now. Let's make a date for next time and show folks how it's really done! We really appreciate all your positive comments and wonderful support of the channel my good friend.

@StormySkyRailProductions Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 Yeah its too bad I cant do any of that anymore due to my restrictions and stuff. I would love to double spike again like I used to when I started. Your welcome on the share and have a nice rest of your Wednesday.

@davechapman7735 Ай бұрын

always an interesting vid and Dave you are a great shot with that hammer ! thanks for sharing and very best wishes from NZ

@ccrx6700 Ай бұрын

Appreciate the nice comment Dave, glad you enjoyed. Thank you very much for taking the time to visit with us and may you have a very good day my friend.

@davechapman7735 Ай бұрын

@@ccrx6700 cheers and same to you thanks Dave.

@ccrx6700 Ай бұрын

@@davechapman7735 👍😊

@nealwhite5602 Жыл бұрын

wow , awesome stuff .

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much Neal for taking the time to visit with us and write in. We really appreciate your watching the video my friend.

@richardaustin2640 Жыл бұрын

Like your style, think you've done that before Dave! Interesting range of tools and options for a specific job. I'd definitely be going with the hydraulic one 😉 Hope you're safe from that nasty weather we a seeing on the TV back here. A rather hot 104 degrees today at my place. What a wonderful world!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Richard for the very nice comment. Last weekend here was cruel, this weekend it already 60 degree, go figure. Really appreciate your stopping by and watching the spike show my friend.

@robertdaniels9023 Жыл бұрын

Your accuracy was near spot on. I would've hit everything except the spikes 😁

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Robert, but I miss once in awhile. Lose my focus when my hat falls off! Believe this or not, but some transit track the road masters if you miss a spike and hit a rail, they will make you change the rail. Really appreciate all the wonderful support you have given the channel my friend. Thank You.

@bobblenuts Жыл бұрын

Old memories Dave, I worked carpenter job when I was a kid many years ago. We did a lot of framing jobs with big spikes...some days ya can hit em and some days ya can't. Had this older wise guy we worked with, sooo on a bad day he would say "it goes every time ya hit it"! Then we would all crack up and miss almost every swing after! Sorry, I guess it's one of them "ya had to be there" things. Thanks for the great video! 👍

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Same here bobblenuts, some days I can hit em pretty good and some days I can't. Always lose my focus when my hat starts to fall off tho. :-) Spike the same way, it goes every time you hit it! I get where you're coming from. Really appreciate your watching and writing in my friend.

@billdowdall8557 Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 LLP

@billdowdall8557 Жыл бұрын

Bio hi

@shaharyarkhan9470 Жыл бұрын

You are a good human being sir great job May Allah bless you with his countless blessings

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Shaharyar for the kind words and for taking the time to watch the video. May you have a most blessed day my friend.

@bigmackstruckstop9213 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed your show,you'd make a good railroad teacher and I'll catch ya on the next one.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Maybe when I retire bigmackstruckstop I can get a job teaching RR school? :-) Thank you my friend for the very nice words. We certainly appreciate all the wonderful support you have given the channel.

@bigmackstruckstop9213 Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 aw your very welcome my friend indeed,I sure will catch ya on the next one,looking forward.

@TriGogglin Жыл бұрын

Just when you think you know stuff, Dave will teach you more info than you thought was out there. Man how did the early railroad guys shoulders and back make it thru their career. Yours has to be wore out as well, Great video Dave

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Pappy for the very nice comment. Those guys back in the day who drove spikes with a maul all day long were tough as nails. And yes sir, many a guy got some crippling injuries from all that hard work. Very much appreciate your watching the show today my good friend.

@joeyasaperson Жыл бұрын

appreciate this video

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the nice comment Joseph, glad you enjoyed. Appreciate your taking the time to visit with us and check out the tie show my friend.

@paulfalzarano5930 Жыл бұрын

Very very interesting, thanks for sharing.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Paul, very glad you enjoyed the spike driving show. We certainly appreciate your watching and writing in my friend.

@draconite420 Жыл бұрын

We mainly use the B&O for the stuborn bolts that wont come out of the joint bars after you hit them flush with the joint bars.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Yep that's a good use for it also. Handy dandy little tool. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@rickkeeton9246 9 ай бұрын

They are also used to drive the spikes between the guard rails on switch frogs, combined with a sledge hammer!

@williamralph5442 Жыл бұрын

Gee Dave, at 68 you must eat your Wheaties every day to drive those spikes. Your videos are always fun and interesting. Happy New Year..

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

At my age I need more than Wheaties.... LOL I'm very pleased to hear you are enjoying the shows William. We certainly do appreciate your watching my friend.

@GeorgeJansen Жыл бұрын

Hey Dave Trademark "We bring the railroad to you." Excellent video young man.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Yep, just like That's Railroadin. Thank you George for the very kind words. We certainly appreciate your watching the spike driving show today my friend.

@garymessina1609 Жыл бұрын

I am the same age people look at me running a electric hammer the hammer weights about fifty pounds two old grunts great video Dave very informative

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary for the nice comment. I can appreciate what you do! We're lucky we can still do it. Really appreciate your visiting with us and checking out the show my friend.

@PlanetMojo Жыл бұрын

Interesting stuff Dave! The tracks we used to walk on when we were kids had spikes that fell out all over the place. It was nowhere near as well maintained as as your railroad! That pneumatic spike driver looks a lot easier, but I can imagine how sore you would be using that all day as well!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mojo glad you enjoyed the show. I would be in heaven going on those tracks driving spikes. We do spell each other off when running the spiker, so all of us get some breaks. Really appreciate your watching my friend.

@train4905 Жыл бұрын

Exellent job sir

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Why thank you very much Stephen. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@trenamerritt5344 Жыл бұрын

Ya know, I loved it when you explained about driving the spike in straight, showing what happens between spike and rail. Pretty neat! At the end, did you use a fire snake? There were flames along the rail. Thank you for the work you guys all do on the rails! Happy New Year!

@dvone4124 Жыл бұрын

Sure looks like his old friend the snake helping fix a pull-apart. I suspect they loosened those spikes so the ties would not be pushed out of alignment when the rail on one side of the track expanded from the heat. Then Dave wanted to re-spike the rail while it was still hot and expanded full length -- that's why there were a few flames still present.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Trena for the very nice comment. Yes we had to use the snake to get the rail to expand so we could make a joint, we had changed that rail and it wasn't quite long enough so we made it grow. Always is a pleasure to have you join in with me my friend.

@walterfrey7105 Жыл бұрын

Dave, love your videos. Go Steelers!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Walter for the very kind words. We're really glad to hear you are enjoying the home movies. We do so much appreciate your wonderful support of the channel my friend.

@WheezerOfJuice 2 ай бұрын

Your accuracy with that hammer is impressive!

@ccrx6700 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words, I've driven a spike or two in the past..... wish you could have seen me in my prime tho and not at 69 years of age. Appreciate your stopping to watch my friend.

@kg4muc Жыл бұрын

Ole John Henry ain’t got anything on Dave! Good education on spikes and proper driving. Thanks again!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Well thank you Wayne for the nice comment, but I think Mr. Henry was much better than me. But back in my prime I would have given him a run for his money... LOL I get winded quick now and have to take a breather. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@michaelcase8574 Жыл бұрын

Nice job Dave! You know I was never the man I used to be.LOL

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Michael. I don't like getting old, but what you gonna do. Just do the best you can with what you got. Really appreciate your coming out and driving some spikes with me my friend.

@beverlymichael5830 Жыл бұрын

I have a piece of rail my grandfather had on his workbench which I remember a little one in the early 50’s. It is 7.5 inches and weighs 11 pounds. I have no is how old it is. That comes Out to about 53 pound rail? There was also an inter urban in our town a well as so many train tracks all over town. It’s been used or weight, bending metal, pounding. He used it all the time. Always on his work bench.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Awesome story Beverly. Old rail is found on a lot of guy's work benches. I've given many a piece away over the years for folks wanting rail as anvils. Really appreciate your watching and for all the wonderful support you have given the channel my friend.

@mikejackman4416 Жыл бұрын

Great video lots of information passed on n this channel,,,,your a machine on that hammer….I’ve never been able to make a hammer count lol …I’ll stay in the pick up or tamper 😂😂

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Mike for the very kind words. One thing here, I get a lot of variety in what I do, but guess when you only have 2 track men then you got to do a lot of different stuff. Always is a pleasure to have you visit with me my friend. PS: I do get winded quick, sure wish I had made a video of me driving spikes back in my prime.....

@garykuipers2696 Жыл бұрын

The gang on NJT would use wood plugs to fill in an over sized hole in the tie. The plug was the same shape as a spike shank. They'd tap in place, break it off to depth, then use the BO to set it in. Please don't over do the manual spiking but you still have it. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous New Year.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

We used to use the tie plugs before we got the Sure Spike Gary. We also had a BO that had a square end instead of the rounded end to drive those plugs in. I still got a couple of those old tie plugs in the sticks before they got broken off. Will have to show that sometime. Thanks so much my friend for watching my good friend.

@deathwishdrang1780 Жыл бұрын

thank you Dave for another fine video, I've been thinking back and I don't remember it ever being asked, is there a chance someday we can all go down into the mine and see the rail operations down there? You showed us the mine rail clamps but I don't think we've ever seen the mine train, so can we some day maybe? To You, the family and all of you youtubers out there have a safe, healthy and happy new year and keep railroading!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Your very welcome, so glad you are enjoying the videos. We really appreciate all your wonderful support of the channel. I am not allowed down in the mine. I do not have Pa. Mine certification papers. So I will not have a video on underground, I sure wish I could tho. It's a whole different world under there. Coal miners are a different breed of folks, it takes a lot of fortitude to work under ground.

@cedarcam Жыл бұрын

You are still a lot fitter than others your age, keeping active sure helps. I see a lot are saying about your over rail spiking would not be allowed but do not see the reason why. Enjoyed your windmill style. I could never use a hammer like that although in our job did not need to learn really, but think I would of enjoyed driving spikes like you. Take care and have a good New Year I see the temperature is rising there so the worst is over.

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Guess I am but like you say I stay active and I do exercise off the job at home on a regular basis and lift weights, so that helps. But at this stage of the game I do get winded quick, too many bad decisions in past years with my lungs, but that's my bad choices back then paying for it now. Over the rail is the way I was taught. Everyone has their own unique way of spiking. Thanks so much for watching my friend and yep, worst is over, this weekend gonna be in the 60's!

@bjo889 Жыл бұрын

Great hand eye coordination

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words, I'm not the spiker I used to be tho. Really appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@michaelpass2176 Жыл бұрын

Dave, hope you and the Mrs had great wonderful Christmas as we did!😂

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Michael, yes we did, I ate too much, but no surprise there, I can use the extra weight to drive more spikes...LOL Really glad you had a good day, you've had it rough lately so very glad you shared that with me my friend.

@michaelpass2176 Жыл бұрын

May you and the lady of your life have a wonderful new year!

@clineshaunt Жыл бұрын

Hi Dave, great video. Hope you had a great Christmas1

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, so glad you enjoyed the show. Christmas was very good, except I ate too much, but no surprise there.... that extra weight I can apply to driving spikes..... LOL LOL We really appreciate all the wonderful support you have given the channel my friend.

@clineshaunt Жыл бұрын

@@ccrx6700 You're welcome sir! I really enjoy your videos. Very informative. Was there a US Steel Mill nearby or did the mine just provide coal for the mills?

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

@@clineshaunt coal for power plants

@paulbergen9114 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for all the information on the equipment used for spiking plus that they were different grades of carbon. It seems every place m o w forces store scrap the piles of spikes and tie plates is separate and it must be there isn't much demand for that type of scrap due to the carbon count. Good old Jawn Henry would have a sore back trying to do that many by hand and even the machinery jostles ones innards. Got taken by surprise when I saw the 25 mph road sign but didn't see the road, forgot about the roadbed of the RR!

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Your very welcome Paul, glad you had a good time. We certainly appreciate your taking the time to watch and write in my friend.

@stocktonrails9279 Жыл бұрын

Hi Dave- I recently discovered your channel and have really been enjoying your content! Your videos are very interesting, educational, cover many different topics related to railroadin’… and you also do a great job with your commentary. Q: Have you ever thought about visiting junior/high schools and doing presentations on some of these videos? I can’t believe that some kids (like me when I was younger) wouldn’t love to hear your stories, especially coming from someone actually in the business. Your presentations might even get a few of those students (very) interested in pursuing a career in railroading, and I know you’d be great at it! Anyway, thanks again for all of your effort on these videos… I’m hooked at this point. 👍😀

@ccrx6700 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the really kind words. Glad to have you join in with us here and welcome to our community. No sir, have never thought of doing that, may be a good thing to consider when I retire. We very much appreciate your watching and writing in my friend.