Dan Robirds Wrote:
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> pd3463 Wrote:
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> -----
> > Is the USG Plaster City train still running? I
> > thought I read somewhere they were not running
> > very frequently. If so, would trucks be more
> > efficient and 111&112 be available?
> >
> > Phil
>
> I doubt it. The rail line between the plant and
> quarry runs through the desert next to/through a
> bombing range, including several bridges over dry
> washes (99% of the time dry - then flash flood!).
> There is a dirt 4x4 road the entire distance. The
> nearest paved road is something like twice as far
> to go around, but the dirt road is so bad except
> for track crews USG personnel are required to take
> the paved road when business requires them to
> travel between the plant and road.
>
> So on-road highway trucks would likely be far more
> expensive due to the mileage and lack of fuel
> efficiency/capacity. To use off road trucks would
> require building an improved road to replace the
> railroad, with USG absorbing the costs to build
> and maintain it, as well as any
> environmental/permit fights and delays.
>
> Does anyone know for sure if a USG or WP&Y unit
> will even stay within the clearance and weight
> limits of the D&S line?
Really!!? I drove my 90 Dodge van the whole way, passed the track gang, who were shocked at seeing the Gringo, took a few photos and Super 8s AND got strafed (no shots fired) by two Navy fighters! p.s. I'm the one who looked over the two diesels at Plaster City, talked to their shop people and put Lindsey onto their being for sale. A story of right place right time.
JP