Railroad Ditch Cleaners: Directing Water Away From The ROW
Last revised: September 4, 2024
By: Adam Burns
Railroad ditch cleaners (sometimes referred to as diggers) are another important aspect of keeping the track structure and right-of-way properly maintained.
As with any type of ditching work the main task is to make sure the water is properly draining completely away from the right-of-way.
Otherwise, backed up water could not only damage the tracks and ties but also undermine the integrity of the right-of-way and ballast itself.
As such, the machine plays a similar role today as ballast cleaners and undercutters whose primary purpose is to either clean the rock or remove it entirely so that new may be laid.
The end result is to keep a proper drainage away from the track structure.
The main player in the field today, as with virtually all types of heavy maintenance work is Loram and Plasser American although railroads also do some of their own ditching work to reduce steep contract costs.
A Herzog work train rolls along Norfolk Southern's Captina Secondary near Armstrong Mills, Ohio on October 20, 2003. Wade Massie photo.If you are unfamiliar with what ballast is it is another important part of railroad infrastructure, and usually comes in the form of crushed stone.
Although it may just look like plain ole gravel this stone plays a vital role in acting as a support base for the ties and rails as well as allowing for proper drainage of water away from the rails.
You may be wondering how such a term came to define the stone which supports the track structure. Interestingly, it has its roots dating back to early times when stone was used as ballasting for sailing ships.
Although it may just look like plain ole gravel this stone plays a vital role in acting as a support base for the ties and rails as well as allowing for proper drainage of water away from the rails.
You may be wondering how such a term came to define the stone which supports the track structure. Interestingly, it has its roots dating back to early times when stone was used as ballasting for sailing ships.
Early ditching work, as was the case with nearly any type of railroad maintenance, was done entirely by hand and a large army of workers along with the aide of early steam shovels.
The first true ditch cleaners were the Jordan Spreaders, which essentially look like large, oversized snow plows.
Extremely simple machines by design it was developed by Oswald Jordan in the very early 20th century and consists of almost no moving parts.
Not only is the Jordan able to dig and effectively clean ditches
it can also properly regulate ballast and even plow snow if needed.
Today, the Jordan Spreader has mostly been replaced by newer, faster, and more efficient ditching machines but it still finds work on some railroads.
The latest cleaners come from companies like Loram, which specializes in heavy maintenance work of railroad right-of-ways.
Able to travel at speeds of 50 mph their diggers can clean more than 500 cubic yards of dirt and material every hour, returning the ditch to its proper depth and efficiency.
Sometimes side-dump cars are used when ditching to store the material collected until it can disposed of.
However, this is only the case if the material cannot be directly discharged a suitable distance away from the tracks, such as around a rock cut.
Ditch cleaners are not the only machines used to keep right-of-ways properly maintained.
Others include ballast cleaners, which as you might expect clean the ballast and undercutters.
Once the crushed stone making up the ballast structure has broken down too much to be effective any longer railroads must replace it.
To accomplish this task a another piece of equipment known as an undercutter is called in. This hefty machine is somewhat similar in appearance to a ballast cleaner. However, instead of cleaning the stone it scopes it up to be replaced.
For more reading about ditch cleaners you may want to consider the book Railway Maintenance Equipment: The Men and Machines That Keep the Railroads Running from noted author Brian Solomon.
Throughout the book's 128 pages Solomon covers all types of maintenance equipment from tampers and undercutters to Jordan Spreaders and rotary snow plows.
I own this book myself and have used it as reference material for this site many times. It's a great read on an often little understood area of railroading.
If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com.
Recent Articles
-
West Pointe Route Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 08:23 PM
Included here is the complete West Point Route timetables, including the Georgia Railroad, from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Virginian Railway Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 04:27 PM
Included here is the Virginian Railway's complete system map and brief timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
RF&P Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 02:21 PM
Featured here is the Richmond, Frederickburg & Potomac's public timetables from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Missouri 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:20 PM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:19 PM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Alabama - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:14 PM
With a little planning, you can build a memorable whiskey-and-rails getaway in the Heart of Dixie. -
Washington 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:11 PM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Nevada 'Murder Mystery' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:09 PM
Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart. -
Kentucky 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:06 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Original Norfolk Southern Timetables (January, 1930)
May 11, 26 10:06 AM
Featured here is the complete timetable listing of the original Norfolk Southern Railway from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Atlantic and Danville Railway: Serving Southern VA
May 11, 26 09:50 AM
The Atlantic and Danville Railway (reporting mark AD), often referred to in its early years as the Atlantic & Danville Railroad, stands as a quintessential example of late-19th-century American railro… -
Interstate Railroad Timetables (January, 1910)
May 11, 26 09:25 AM
Featured here is the Interstate Railroad's very brief timetable listing from the January, 1910 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Virginia "Whiskey Tasting" Train Rides
May 10, 26 01:01 PM
Among the Virginia Scenic Railway's most popular specialty excursions is the “Bourbon & BBQ” tasting train, an adults-oriented rail journey that pairs scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley wit… -
Tennessee 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:58 PM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
New York 'Dinner Train' Rides In The Adirondacks
May 10, 26 12:51 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
West Virginia 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:45 PM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
Kansas 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:26 PM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:21 PM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida East Coast Timetables (January, 1930)
May 09, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Florida East Coast Railway's listing in the "Official Guide" from January, 1930 when the system still reached Key West. -
Clinchfield Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 09, 26 01:28 PM
Featured here is the Clinchfield's brief listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
California 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:58 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:49 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
New Hampshire 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:32 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
North Carolina 'Dinner Train' Rides At Spencer
May 09, 26 10:26 AM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee 'Dinner Train' Rides At TVRM
May 09, 26 10:16 AM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
Pennsylvania 'Dinner Train' Rides At Boyertown
May 09, 26 10:02 AM
With beautifully restored vintage equipment, carefully curated menus, and theatrical storytelling woven into each trip, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers far more than a simple meal on rails. -
New York 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 09:54 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides! -
Central of Georgia Timetables (August, 1952)
May 08, 26 11:51 PM
Featured is the Central of Georgia Railway's complete timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Pittsburgh & West Virginia Timetables (September, 1937)
May 08, 26 11:30 PM
Presented here is the Pittsburgh & West Virginia's public timetables listed in the September, 1937 issue of the "Official Guide." -
Brightline Florida Faces Debt Crisis and Future Uncertainty
May 08, 26 02:50 PM
Florida’s pioneering private high-speed passenger rail service, Brightline, is confronting a severe liquidity crunch that has triggered auditor warnings of “substantial doubt” about its ability to con… -
Reading & Northern Launches Its Own Coffee Brand
May 08, 26 02:28 PM
The Reading & Northern Railroad is thrilled to announce the launch of its very own coffee brand, Iron Horse Coffee Company. It will soon be served on all scenic train rides and in the café car located… -
Reading 4-8-4 2100 To Be Under Steam This June
May 08, 26 02:11 PM
fter more than a decade of intensive restoration by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR), the legendary Reading Company 4-8-4 Northern-type steam locomotive No. 2100 will make it… -
Pennsylvania Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:52 PM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Beer Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:43 PM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train.
