Re: Ballast questions

Kevin S. Wrote:
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> I have over the years heard that cinders were used
> as ballast on the San Juan extension. I am
> guessing these are cinders obtained from cleaning
> the fireboxes of the locomotives? Is there a
> different type of cinders that were used for
> ballast?
>
> Was the narrow gauge ever in its history ever
> ballasted in a manner similar to the work taking
> place on the C&TS now and as was done on the
> Silverton branch?
Do you mean technology wise or the way of ballest? In the later years the D&RGW used ballest instead of dirt or "Cinders" being used as the ballest is.Check this picture out from Narrow Gauge Memories. It shows from the Dam relocation the new track and the old. The new track has ballest and the old one has dirt. Ballast Track
>
> How long should this work last before it will need
> to be redone?
When the road bed wears out.
>
> How does ballast made from crushed rock work? Why
> is this seemingly the best material for this job?
My understanding it weighs more which helps hold the track in place and it also doesn't wear out as fast or turn into mud when it rains.
>
> Why does track that is ballasted in the current
> manner hold up better, or ride better, than if
> ballasted with another substance?

>
> Why is well ballasted track easier on the running
> gear of the locomotives?
Smoother track?
>
> Thanks for answering my questions. I hope other
> readers would like to know these answers as well.

I tried to help on some. Some of my answers may be wrong. I will let the other members correct my mistakes.