Railroad Track Equipment Operator how-to

How to Measure Track Gauge

Gauge must be exact.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Gauge must be exact. In short: use; measure; compare, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Use a track gauge.

  2. Measure at several ties.

  3. Compare to standard.

  4. Mark defects.

  5. Report.

  6. Fix.

Safety reminders for railroad track equipment operators

  • Follow roadway worker protection
  • Use lookouts
  • Get track authority
  • Wear high-visibility gear

Tie · Ballast · Tamper · Spike · Gauge · Track authority: see the full railroad track equipment operator glossary.

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