Re: [CBQ] Burnt clay ballast

["Rupert Gamlen" <gamlenz@hotmail.com>]

Thanks, Glen.

 

From: CBQ@groups.io On Behalf Of zephyr98072
Sent: Monday, 12 August 2019 8:12 a.m.
To: CBQ@groups.io
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Burnt clay ballast

 

Rupert:

 

Let me make a list.  It should only take a couple of days.  It appears that the dates applied were from about 1950 to 1957 or 1958.  I can only assume that since it is still listed on the alignment charts in the late 60's, that it was still in place at merger in 1970, but I don't know how good the Q was at keeping the ballast information up to date.

 

Same here about the scoria.  It is used in landscaping here in the Northwest and even in the Midwest, and I think extensively used in Arizona and New Mexico where a lot of people try to replicate desert-type landscaping rather than grass.

 

Glen

 

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From: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io> on behalf of Rupert Gamlen <gamlenz@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2019 12:50 PM
To: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io>
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Burnt clay ballast

 

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

 

Rupert:

 

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.

 

Glen Haug

 

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From: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io> on behalf of Rupert Gamlen <gamlenz@hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2019 7:14 PM
To: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io>
Subject: [CBQ] Burnt clay ballast

 

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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