I am working on a historic structure (bridge) that was built using a recycled railroad turntable (see https://www.dropbox.com/s/mcsxb6p29q7ma8z/turntables-recycled.jpg?dl=0 <https://www.dropbox.com/s/mcsxb6p29q7ma8z/turntables-recycled.jpg?dl=0>). Can folks suggest some material culture studies and sources on recycling and reuse in the railroad industry? Railroads historically (and still do) recycled rails, railroad ties, and turntables. These objects frequently are found throughout the built environment. We have railroad ties in our landscaping and I have two art objects made from recycled rail. Turntables (essentially a pair of metal plate girders) were converted into bridges throughout the United States. Railroad companies moved them from storage and maintenance yards on flatbed cars to crossings, put them up on metal and wood bents, then added new tie beams and stiffeners before opening them to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Thank you.

David Rotenstein
_________________________________________
David S. Rotenstein, Ph.D.
Historian/Folklorist
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Phone: (404) 326-9244
Twitter: @iVernacular
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dsrotenstein


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