Use of hi-rail wheels to allow trucks to travel on tracks

When thinking about railways, the common image that comes to mind is a locomotive pulling train carriages. However, both domestically and internationally, there are instances of trucks driving on railway tracks. In North America, there are even cases of tractor-trailers acting as locomotives, capable of traversing both railway tracks and regular roads.

Foreign dual-use trucks achieve mode switching through specialized lifting equipment. These trucks, including tractors, pickup trucks, and others, require modification to navigate railway tracks effectively.

Typically, these dual-use vehicles are fitted with a pair of railway wheels at the front and rear, which can be raised or lowered as needed. Despite this modification, the drive mechanism still relies on the truck's drive axle, facilitated by gear-like equipment for transmission. Once the transformation is complete, the vehicle is capable of running on railway tracks. However, with the railway wheels retracted, the vehicle can seamlessly transition back to road use.

While these dual-use trucks offer versatility, their usage on railway tracks is primarily restricted to railway company operations. These vehicles are commonly employed for tasks such as road maintenance and inspection. They are subject to the same regulations and scheduling signals as trains when operating on the tracks, ensuring the safety of railway transport.

In China, similar instances of trucks on railway tracks can be observed, often converted from agricultural vehicles or scrap trucks. These vehicles, connected in pairs and known as ballast trucks or "small old K cars," are primarily used for transporting stones to the railway for ballast purposes.

While ballast trucks serve a specific function, the adaptation of scrap vehicles like the small old K car offers a cost-effective and convenient solution. In many cases, these modified vehicles are repurposed scrap cars, showcasing the resourcefulness and practicality of such conversions.