Re: DRGW ballast

employee2 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I can recall very little rock ballast on the C&TS
> back in the 1970's. It was almost all dirt, and a
> lot of cinders dumped over the years. But cinders
> aren't much better than dirt. Both "pump" out
> easily under joints, resulting in a lot of low
> joints. Cinders are so light that they move around
> a lot under the weight of the train, and don't
> support it well in soft spots. Dirt doesn't drain
> well, as John said, and it turns to mud when it
> gets wet. Mud doesn't stay in place well at all,
> as you can imagine. And since dirt retains water,
> it tends to rot ties faster.
>
> When I rode the train several trips in August 2010
> for the 40th anniversary reunion, I was astounded
> at the fine condition of the track! without a
> doubt, it was never like that when the D&RG owned
> it. The track was ballasted like mainline, and
> tamped really smooth. Even with those freight
> trucks, the ride was amazingly smooth. The rock
> appeared to be crushed granite, a nice uniform
> size, perfect for tamping.


I must add that the track was in pretty good shape during the D&RGW days--good enough to allow the San Juan to do 30mph in area's between Alamosa and Durango. In the 60's maintenance was not a priority but they still kept the track in pretty good shape in case the petition for abandonment wasn't granted--they had to keep things servicable. That's why the 497 got a total overhaul in 1967. Many who rode the San Juan would comment how smooth and quiet the ride was.

William
aka drgwk37