John K, the basic concept behing the whole tamper is keep it as simple as possible. If it doesn't work out, we can always try again. You saw in the video the up and down motion of the machine. There will also be something to draw the heads together and squeeze them together if the trial runs work as planned. Eventually, we hope to make it self propelled, controlled by hydraulics, with the tampers on air of course. As for the jacking, the tamper will clear a short jack placed under the rail for leveling or lifting the joint. Could be a one or a two man operation versus the current four or so for a track crew.
But never fear, we will still need brute strength to line the rails. Always something out of line there. Either us or someplace up the line.