C&TS Trackwork

It came to my attention yesterday, while talking to someone who's opinion I hold in the highest esteem, that the C&TS Ballasting and lining is paying off.

I was told that for the first time in many years the locomotives didn't need to be taken down in the shop and have the springs and rigging realigned due to the abuse from the wobbly track. I was also told that derailments are down drastically.

Dick, Carlos, do you care to comment on the veracity of these statements?

It would seem that the investment in rock and the time to line and tamp the track is paying off with lower maintenance costs to the equipment. Over time the investment in the right-of-way should pay for itself. Granted, the ROW has to be maintained.

This should leave the C&TS in better financial shape in the long run, and with the roller coaster finances over the past decade, every little bit should help assure the future of the Railroad.

So much for the "1968 Time Capsule" proponents. Long Live preventive maintenance!

Rick