John West Wrote:
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> Interesting at least to me to compare the track in
> Rio Grande days and the new ballasted track. From
> what I have been told, the DRGW's bare tie ends
> are how you wanted dirt ballast to look, since the
> dirt was more more or less impervious and the
> slope allowed water to drain to either side. With
> crushed rock ballast the water can drain through
> the rock so you cover the tie ends to help hold
> the track in place. Or something like that. But
> certainly a dramatic difference.
I've heard, and seen photos that seem to prove it, that on a lot of roads it was common to leave the ends of the ties uncovered even with crushed rock up into the 1950's. Heavier loads and CWR putting more stress on led to the modern practice.
hank