Matisa PT-10 Tamper, Machine#: 6-35667

This tamper, machine #: 6-35667, was built by Matisa for the Rio Grande narrow gauge in Colorado.  Not much is known of its history.  In 2017 it was owned by the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Colorado.  After some “horse” trading of parts between the two organizations, the Midwest Central Railroad took ownership of the machine.

The tamper was in rough shape having not been used in many years and left set outside.  The machine was originally driven by two Wisconsin AGND engines, one for each side of the machine.  Each side of the machine works independently from each other.  The drive system of the machine is split between the two sides with one driving the front drive axle, and the other driving the rear.  The machine is also equipped with rail clamps and jack cylinders to raise and cross level the track.

Upon arrival at the MCRR, the little tamper received some much needed attention.  The Wisconsin engines were replaced with Honda GX630 twin cylinder engines and electric clutches were added to turn the vibrators on and off.  Another modification was the addition of cross level and laser level elevation.