pd3463 Wrote:
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> Is the USG Plaster City train still running? I
> thought I read somewhere they were not running
> very frequently. If so, would trucks be more
> efficient and 111&112 be available?
>
> Phil
I doubt it. The rail line between the plant and quarry runs through the desert next to/through a bombing range, including several bridges over dry washes (99% of the time dry - then flash flood!). There is a dirt 4x4 road the entire distance. The nearest paved road is something like twice as far to go around, but the dirt road is so bad except for track crews USG personnel are required to take the paved road when business requires them to travel between the plant and road.
So on-road highway trucks would likely be far more expensive due to the mileage and lack of fuel efficiency/capacity. To use off road trucks would require building an improved road to replace the railroad, with USG absorbing the costs to build and maintain it, as well as any environmental/permit fights and delays.
Does anyone know for sure if a USG or WP&Y unit will even stay within the clearance and weight limits of the D&S line?