This monster machine is built to replace railway track ties - here's how it does it

• The machine is fitted with a tie (sleeper) changing attachment.
• Ties can be replaced in a few minutes, all without having to remove the track.
• Railway ties regularly need replacing for track maintenance.

This machine replaces railway ties, all without having to remove any of the railway track.

Railroad tracks are made of three parts: the long steel rails that the trains run on, railway ties and track ballast - which is the gravel in between the tracks.

The machine uses a tie changer, which is capable of removing ballast on the tracks.

This allows it to grab the railway ties for replacing. The ties are attached back to the track using fastening clips and then the ballast is smoothed back out.

Produced by David Ibekwe.