David,

I'm dealing with Antebellum railroads, here in Alabama, so my example may be
too different to be usefull , but..... During "The War"  the assets of the
Cahaba, Marion, and Greensboro Railroad were "seized" (perhaps bought) by
the Confederate Government, and/or a rival railroad, in order to complete
tracks into Selma to service the war industry there.  The documents show
them not only taking possession of barrels of old railroad spikes, rails,
etc, but that they also tore up the laid track to use.  Of course this was
during the war, and materials were scarce due to blockades and such.  But
there were other wars and other shortages.  If you want more details contact
me off list .


Linda Derry ([log in to unmask])
Old Cahawba Archaeological Park
Alabama Historical Commission

> Recently, I was walking along a CSX track (formerly Conrail, originally
New
> York Central/one of its local predecessors), cutting across the Ft. Drum
> military reservation.  This track has 100-120 lb. welded rail and tie
> plates, indicating that it was rebuilt completely within the past 15 to 20
> years; it is an active line, with 4-7 trains per day, and traffic expected
> to increase following the June 1st division of Conrail by CSX and Norfolk
> Southern.
>
> A number of ties in this track have date nails, ranging from "23" (1923)
to
> "31" (1931).  These would follow the mid-century custom of railroads
dating
> ties with these nails, to help schedule tie replacement.  Yet these ties
do
> not appear to be 60-70 years old, being in fair condition, not thoroughly
> rotted, and some had fresh-appearing creosote.  I also have trouble in
> believing that timbers, even thoroughly creosoted timbers, could last that
> long, with sufficient structural integrity to work as railroad ties, or to
> survive replacement in a complete track rebuild as happened on this line
> when the welded rail went in.
>
> So, has anyone heard of:
>
> (1.)    Date nails being moved from old ties to new ties during track
>         rebuilds?
>
> (2.)    Any sort of process for renewing railroad ties, in place, in track
>         structures?
>
> It bothers me--I've always used tie date nails as an example of a dated
> artifact, like a coin, which provides a very tight TPQ.
>