Class 1 FRA

Dick, it had been awhile since I followed track info but I remember class one was 12-15 mph track, and was the minimum standard the FRA had for good track. I assume that "Class 1.5" would be timetable speeds of 15 to 20 mph. When people asked I would tell them $15-20 million to upgrade the r.r. to those kind of standards so I was in the ballpark. It cost Bradshaw about $10-12 million in 1980-1990 dollars to rebuild the D&SNG. He received 25 miles of 90 pound rail from the D&RGW with the sale.
Though I cannot subscribe much to a return to "San Juan" speeds on the C&TS, making the railroad safer and shaving a half-hour off running time would be very helpful and ultimately same money on wear and wages.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/03/2007 12:46PM by El Coke.