Glen
Thanks for this information. Identifying just where the burnt clay ballast was used on the Burlington is the hard part so any data on this would be gratefully received. Is there any indication as to when this ballast was applied or how long it lasted?
Interesting comment about scoria. Here in NZ it is a low density volcanic rock which is quarried and widely used as a drainage medium and filler, and as an ornamental ground cover, but not as ballast.
Rupert
From: CBQ@groups.io
On Behalf Of zephyr98072
Sent: Sunday, 11 August 2019 8:24 p.m.
To: CBQ@groups.io
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Burnt clay ballast
I can't comment on the use of burnt clay in the past as ballast in Iowa, because I don't know. I can't see anywhere in alignment charts from the 1950's and 60's that burnt clay is still used
as ballast in Iowa. I didn't check any other Lines East Divisions, but from memory I would say that it does not show up as being used for ballast anywhere on Lines East.
The only references I can find are on the former Sheridan Division, between Gillette and Huntley, and on the line from Holdrege to Cheyenne. On these two lines, the use of burnt clay appears to
be extensive. If you want me to, I can try to calculate a total mileage. If I had to guess, I would say it is shown as the primary ballast for at least 50 track miles on these two lines.
I also seem to remember some of the old heads referring to burnt clay ballast as scoria. That makes sense to me since burnt clay has a porous, slag-like appearance and is reddish-brown in color.
I also remember them saying that it was fairly decent ballast for light traffic like what was being handled on the Sheridan and Casper lines in the early 60's, but when the coal trains appeared they quickly beat it to death.
The Burlington was the first U.S. railroad to use burnt clay as ballast, commencing in 1880, and I’m researching the subject for a
Zephyr article.
I know that the first application was in Iowa, with kilns established at Red Oak. Has anyone seen reference to burnt clay being used as ballast on track charts anywhere on the whole CB&Q system? If so, can you contact me direct.
Thanks
Rupert Gamlen
Auckland NZ
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