Re: C&TS Ballast and cinders

Forget Geotextile for the C&TS as too expensive.
Most railroads only use it for road crossings rebuilds and that is mostly paid for by government. RR do buy it for rr crossing diamonds and special places.
New stone will lay fine on top of a cinder sub-grade and will not mix, if you don't try to mix it in the tamping process.
Are there any 3' gauge scarifiers that would remove the clay and dirt between the ties, followed by the Jordan Spreader to cut the sides, then the tie extruder and tie inserter do their thing? That way much of the top dirt will be removed and ready for ballast, and a good 3-4" raise. That would be almost as good as a skid.