Not so many years ago the D&S was the railroad with good track and C&TS the problem child. I don't remember the exact timing, but somewhere around the 1980's the D&S rebuilt their entire railroad with heavier rail and rock ballast. Perhaps somebody with a better memory can provide details. But I remember the D&S when it looked liked todays C&TS. The C&TS started that process about 10 years ago and is just completing it, so it is new and fresh. Investment in track work lasts a long time, and because there may be significant economies of scale in doing major programs instead of routine maintenance, it is not unusual in the railroad industry to do a major track "program" and then let the track slowly deteriorate until it is time for the next big program. That appears to be what the D&S has done, and perhaps they waited a bit too long for the next major program. Like so many things it boils down to having the cash, and setting appropriate priorities.
JBWX
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/19/2017 02:01PM by John West.