I worked for the B&O RR back in the early 80s,at a reclamation /manufacturing shop where my Grandfather worked 30 years before. I thought we were automated in track repair/replacement, but what I just saw was way beyond what we had. we still use wooden crossties,where they use concrete, I guess the cost would be prohibitive for most RRs here. of course, we don't have the 100 mph passenger trains they have, either..we still have speed limits on our tracks...Thank goodness, as many there'd be many more de-railments if we didn't...