quote:

Originally posted by a1abdj:

quote:

they may be replaced by new wooden ties (which mostly likely originated from my rail yard in Springfield, MO) or the newer concrete ties.

I have been seeing a lot of concrete ties lately.

I haven't seen wood ties used on new RR construction in years.

Wood is all they use out here in the Big Bend. Which seems odd, since they have to replace ties so often.

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:

quote:

Originally posted by a1abdj:

I have been seeing a lot of concrete ties lately.

I haven't seen wood ties used on new RR construction in years.

Especially down where you're at the concrete ties are definitely superior. Between the moisture and insects down in the Gulf area, I can't imagine the newer wooden ties holding up for long. Only problem with concrete ties is that they're much more prone to cracking/falling apart from impact during a derailment. Wooden ties will absorb a lot more "violent" abuse and still be usable.