Because railroads are unique, they have their own peculiar machines and vehicles for maintaining their physical plant. In the days of steam, that included forges and steam power plants. Today's
railroads have their own power plants, as well as industrial-grade machinery. Their fleets include ballast spreader, ballast tampers, track inspection vehicles, test scale vehicles and an assortment
of odd scooters and buggies.
Wreck recovery is part and parcel of railroad equipment. An assortment of cranes, hoists and spotlight cars are fitted to lift derailed trains, repair damaged roadbed and structures. Alongside them
are the track cars, from hoppers specially designed to unload ballast to a host of strange little buggies. If it is on the railroad, they have a car to fix it.
Most maintenance cars are mundane in appearance. They are usually older freight and passenger cars whose revenue days are over. Relegated to maintenance of way work, these cars are crudely repainted
and refitted with the tools of the trade. Old cabooses and boxcars can be refitted as tool cars (moving tool sheds), bunk cars for crews working in isolated areas, hoist cars and boom tenders.
Alongside the faded cars are the strange little vehicles that perform special jobs. Ballast spreaders do just that: spread ballast evenly. Ballast tampers press the gravel into the roadbed. Gauge
cars make sure the rails are the proper gauge.
A modern improvement is the hi-rail vehicle - a normal car or truck that has retractable flanged wheels. By dropping the wheels, these cars can ride on the rails. They include crew cars, inspection
cars, various trucks, and self-propelled cranes. Track is crucial to a railroad. It must be kept in perfect condition, and much is invested to maintain and repair it promptly. Signal crews and
construction crews also favor hi-rail vehicles.