Re: Standard rail length for a logging rail road?

By 1900, rail generally came in 33' lengths. By the 1940's it had grown to 39" lengths. Both relate to a standard flat car length for the time of 34' and 40'. As far as weights go, logging RRs used what ever was available and EASY to pick up and move that would support the locomotives and cars. At SFHM, we have evidence that the original Red River and Gulf RR was built in 1905 with 45# rail, and then in 1914 it was all relaid with 60# rail, always in 33' lengths. Most of the early woods rail was 35#, with the more permanent lines in the woods laid with 45#. Mainline sidings on the RR&G were mostly 56#, some of it obtained second hand from the Colorado Midland in 1919-20, and some was former T&NO pattern 56# from 1881-1882. By the end of logging operations, most of the main line tramway was laid with 45# as was most of the woods trackage, Much of this original rail was the 1905 RR&G rail.