PRSL (whoever you are),
Thanks for the reply, though I could have done without your condescending tone and belittling remarks. That was just plain rude.
As for the question I didn't ask, but you supplied and answered: I've done trackwork myself, and I already knew why you don't use ties of varying length.
As for "knocking current management" - that wasn't my intent with regard to the operator. I was just expressing what I hope is a healthy dose of scepticism. It *was* my intent with regard to the Commission. They've failed to do their job for at least the last ten years, and there is no indication that they understand that or intend to change.
I'm very familiar, from a managerial point of view, with the effect of the huge expenses caused by deferred maintenance. C&TS infrastructure has badly deteriorated, and stop-gap measures have been used to keep the RR running. The cost of digging the RR out of this hole will be enormous.
Capital intensive institutions, which C&TS is, don't usually survive this kind of abuse.
I'm glad there is one more operating season at hand, but it really isn't clear C&TS will survive the long haul.
This is principally the fault of the Commission, but fault also lies with the operators of the past decade. Forgive me for being sceptical, but with every change of operator the refrain has been this is "a new management who has been there and done it all". We've been told to sit back and relax and leave it to the pros.
Well, old buddy, the "pros" you so heartily endorse have taken this RR to hell in a handbasket, and its time to speak up and see if it can't be save.
Burr Hubbell