Insta track will be used to hold the track in place, then spiking as normal behind the train. Our insta track holds the track well enough for the slow speeds and locks rails in at a set distance apart.
Panels of track would not work as it would be 2 tons of weight, not to mention extremely slow to unload. As track is built the rails do not line uo perfectly every time, especially on curves. Making modifications in the field and drilling holes would really hold up track building.
Secondly let me say that our old way was safe, only a few minor slips and falls with no known reported injuries. Our volunteers love to build track, and I have my fears for the future of track crew size. On a track building weekend we have around 100 volunteers. On a maintenance or ballasting weekend we have around 80. Why the higher number you ask? Everyone enjoys staying busy, and our old ways of track building those who wanted to work could work, those who needed a break could rest, and those who enjoyed watching could watch. With the crane we need far less people to put the rail down, and hope everyone that is able to spike can. However, I fear that those who do not like spiking may be lost which I hope is certainly not the case.
Let me make this clear, IF ANYONE, AND I MEAN ANYONE is looking for something to do while building track, please let either Dana, Jason, Rick, or myself (if I am around) know and we will do our best to find something for you to do. Please do not feel discouraged and leave. If I can find something to find for an 8 year old to do, I am sure we can find something for everyone to do. Just be aware that some things, like the job of the 8 year old was limited at times, but is a big help in the timely moving of track building.