tracklayers
Those laying rails
Tracklayers are workers who install railroad tracks, positioning rails on ties and securing them in place.
The term also applies to heavy construction vehicles that move on continuous tracks rather than wheels—bulldozers, excavators, and similar machinery.
The tracklayers worked through the night to complete the rail line.
Guiding metal bars
- tiesConnections or neckwear
- ballastShip stability material
- spikesSharp metal protrusions
- sleepersUnactivated spies or surprise hits
gauge · trackbed · switches · crossings · grade · alignment · curves · expansion joints
Manual excavation workers
- spikersPlayers who smash downward
- crewsWorking groups aboard
- foremanWorker who directs others
- gangsOrganized criminal groups
workmen · graders · signalmen · welders · chain gangs · immigrant workers · seasonal workers · camp followers
Underground hollow pathways
- bridgesStructures spanning obstacles
- trestlesRigid supporting frameworks
- viaductsElevated bridges over valleys
- culvertsTunnels for water flow
embankments · cuttings · grades · drainage · roadbed · subgrade · right-of-way · level crossings
Moisture from skin pores
- toilStrenuous, prolonged effort
- muscleContractile body tissue
- callusesThickened protective skin areas
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
stamina · sunburn · fatigue · backbreaking · grueling · heat stroke · blisters · sore muscles
Hooked nail-extraction lever
- adzeTransverse-bladed hewing implement
- pickaxePointed digging implement
- shovelTool for moving earth
- sledgehammerMassive long-handled mallet
jack · crowbar · measuring rod · plumb bob · spirit level
rails
Guiding metal bars
sleepers · gauge · trackbed · switches · crossings · grade · alignment · curves · expansion joints · right-of-way
navvies
Manual excavation workers
gangs · workmen · graders · signalmen · welders · chain gangs · immigrant workers · seasonal workers · camp followers · company housing
tunnels
Underground hollow pathways
- bridgesStructures spanning obstacles
- trestlesRigid supporting frameworks
- viaductsElevated bridges over valleys
culverts · embankments · cuttings · grades · drainage · roadbed · subgrade · right-of-way · level crossings · overpasses
sweat
Moisture from skin pores
endurance · stamina · sunburn · fatigue · backbreaking · grueling · heat stroke · blisters · sore muscles · dehydration
claw bar
Hooked nail-extraction lever
sledgehammer · jack · crowbar · measuring rod · plumb bob · spirit level
tracklayersconductors
Those who direct ensembles
engineers · train operators · dispatchers · station masters · engine drivers