East Broad Top crosstie question

[nkalanaga]

I read that the EBT bought 2400 "good used" ties for relaying their mainline south of Rockhill Furnace.  According to the report, these were stand 8'6" ties, and they cut them all to 7'6" for use.

My question is, "Why did they need to be cut?"

Since this is new track (the old is unsalvageable) why not just use the longer ties?

[Chris333]

The EBT is narrow gauge.

[Maletrain]

Longer ties need more ballast, which costs more money?

[Dave V]

It's more about being authentic... Narrow gauge traditionally has used shorter ties because...less wood. So if the EBTF wants to restore the EBT to how it looked in its common carrier days, that includes using the correct ties.

Out here in Colorado, 3-foot gauge ties were usually 6' to 6'8".

[nkalanaga]

OK, authenticity I can see.  I was thinking more practicality.  Narrow gauge track on standard gauge ties would work just fine, and take less effort, which seemed like a good idea.

Incidentally, my Nn3 track uses 7'6" ties, by accident.  I ordered "old time" standard gauge ties from Clover House, supposed to be 8' long.  Two packages were only 7'6", so I used them for my 1974, coal and ore hauling, narrow gauge.  Nice to know the EBT used the same size!

[wm3798]

Any carpenter will tell you, it's easier to make long boards shorter than short boards longer.

We stopped by Saltillo on the way back from Big Boying, where it looks like they're using "fresh" ties, but you can see how the correct length gives the correct look.



I expect they're using the "kitbashed" ties out on the line where they'll be under less scrutiny.

Lee

[nkalanaga]

I suspect that those are the trimmed ties.  They only trimmed one end, as far as I know, so the ties now have the original "anti-splitting" plates on one end, and none on the other.  Those on the truck seem to be a mix of plates and no plates.  They were said to be "gently used" relay ties, and the colors look like creosoted ties that have been in use for some time.

Incidentally, our factory bought a bunch of used ties for the employee parking lot.  Some have those plates bent or loose.  Don't get to close to the ends, as those plates will slash tires very nicely if the corners are bent out a little.