Rupert-
The advent of mechanized ballast cleaning services may play into the reduced need for new ballast as well….
Charlie Vlk
From: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io> On Behalf Of Rupert Gamlen
Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 2:48 PM
To: CBQ@groups.io
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Burnt clay ballast
Mike
Thanks for this. I’ve yet to establish when the practice of burning clay for ballast ceased but Glen Haug’s information pointed this ballast being used in Nebraska in the 50’s. Perhaps the advent of post-War mechanisation and improved rolling stock enabled superior rock ballast to be economically transported further, and delivered at less cost that burnt clay. Another factor may have been the reduced need for new ballast as the growth in trackage diminished, with lesser quality ballast having been replaced.
Rupert Gamlen
Auckland NZ
From: CBQ@groups.io On Behalf Of Mike Decker
Sent: Friday, 16 August 2019 2:24 a.m.
To: CBQ@groups.io
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Burnt clay ballast
The rock that we hauled out of the Pete Lien pit north of Edgemont was a pink rock, The Company was using it for ballast when I hired out in '77, and kept doing it until the 4th. Sub. finally got abandoned. Then, our rock trains started coming from Guernsey, up the 6th. Sub. with hard rock.
Mike