Re: Dual Gauge Weight of Rail

Dave:
I took a number of photos of the dual gauge track from Alamosa to Antonito in April of 1971. There were tie plates in all three rails in both the main line and in the sidings at LaJara.
I have 1947 and 1964 D&RGW Profile books. The 47 shows 85 pound rail used in all three rails from MP 252.18 (Alamosa yard limits) to 256.18 (between Henry and Estrella (laid in 1937). From there to MP 280.02 (Antonito depot) the rail was 90 pound (laid in 1936). From MP 280.02 to the end of dual guage in Antonito (MP 280.87) the rail was 70 pound laid in 1923.
For those folks who care about the whole railroad and not just the C&TS portion, the dual gauge track from Alamosa to Hooper on the Valley Line was 65 pound rail. The narrow gauge track was upgraded to 65 pound rail in 1927 and the 65 pound 3rd rail was laid in 1930.
The rail in the Montrose yards was 65 pound laid in 1926. There is no detailed map of the Salida yards, but the profile says the dual gauge was 90 pound rail laid in 1940.
You might find it intersting that there was more 45 pound rail on the Valley Line than I remebered. The D&RGW relaid the portion over Poncha Pass with second hand rail from the Salida to Leadville in 1925, but they ralaid it with 85 pound rail in 1931. From MP 230.23 (near Round Hill) down to Moffatt was all 45 pound and stayed that way until 1951 when the line was abandoned. This means that 480s and 490s ran over 22 miles on 45 pound rail.
Hope this answered your questions.