I posted a few photos of my Grooms Cake and I know it is off subject and if it
is not appropriate I will remove it. I just wanted to share with you guys that
may be getting married that you can have your favorite train photo printed on
your cake and it is 100% eatable.
Thank you for being understanding.

Should Wisconsin scrap its high-speed rail project after electing an
openly-antirail Republican governor?
http://www.wisn.com/news/25636317/detail.html

OK listers, put your thinking caps on and lets's go back to the early 1980's for
a short lived tourist railroad in the Bristol, Tn. area.
It was the home of CB&Q 4960 for a while.
Line was abandoned and scrapped out after the 4960 and some relic equipment was
removed. A trestle on the line was a "sore spot" for the railroad and was
probably the main cause of abandonment.
Like ran from Bristol, TN. to Benhams, VA.
Anyone have any curent information or photos of the equipment that's left in
Bristol ?
Can anyone provide a route, which road the line foillowed, from Bristol to
Benhams ?
Thanks,
Hugh

I stumbled on an old spur being bulldozed here in Louisiana.
I'm trying to guess how old it was.
I found some letters on the rails,"Soronto" and "Steel Co LTD" on two different
sections.
Anybody have any ideas?
Mark

Hi
Keep looking at the rail, there is usually a date somewhere on it, near
the mgr name.

WGC


-----Original Message-----
From: m2040 <n5tbu@...>
To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus
<abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thu, Dec 23, 2010 11:50 am
Subject: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] Rail Raised Letters?




I stumbled on an old spur being bulldozed here in Louisiana.
I'm trying to guess how old it was.
I found some letters on the rails,"Soronto" and "Steel Co LTD" on two
different sections.
Anybody have any ideas?
Mark

Dear Karen and Mark,

    Where did you find the MGR's name? Could the date be on the
bottom part of the rail? Does the rail have a lot of rust, or
silt? If the spur is being bulldozed, could find the date on
the rail if its in a pile?

Michael D. Lucas
76531

--- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, WGC53217@... wrote:
>
> Hi
> Keep looking at the rail, there is usually a date somewhere on it, near
> the mgr name.
>
> WGC
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: m2040 <n5tbu@...>
> To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus
> <abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Thu, Dec 23, 2010 11:50 am
> Subject: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] Rail Raised Letters?
>
>
>
>
> I stumbled on an old spur being bulldozed here in Louisiana.
> I'm trying to guess how old it was.
> I found some letters on the rails,"Soronto" and "Steel Co LTD" on two
> different sections.
> Anybody have any ideas?
> Mark
>

Mark, Was the abandoned rail  in LA a private ROW or a Main Line?    Jay



From: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Michael L
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 2:00 AM
To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] Rail Raised Letters?





Dear Karen and Mark,

Where did you find the MGR's name? Could the date be on the
bottom part of the rail? Does the rail have a lot of rust, or
silt? If the spur is being bulldozed, could find the date on
the rail if its in a pile?

Michael D. Lucas
76531

--- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:abandonedrailroadsoftheus%40yahoogroups.com> , WGC53217@... wrote:
>
> Hi
> Keep looking at the rail, there is usually a date somewhere on it, near
> the mgr name.
>
> WGC
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: m2040 <n5tbu@...>
> To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus
> <abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:abandonedrailroadsoftheus%40yahoogroups.com> >
> Sent: Thu, Dec 23, 2010 11:50 am
> Subject: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] Rail Raised Letters?
>
>
>
>
> I stumbled on an old spur being bulldozed here in Louisiana.
> I'm trying to guess how old it was.
> I found some letters on the rails,"Soronto" and "Steel Co LTD" on two
> different sections.
> Anybody have any ideas?
> Mark
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I think he means manufacturers name, not manager. :-)



Railpast

Walter Pfefferle

Beachville

Ontario

Latest Photos  http://railfan.thegrebs.com/Railpast-Photos




Dear Karen and Mark,

Where did you find the MGR's name? Could the date be on the
bottom part of the rail? Does the rail have a lot of rust, or
silt? If the spur is being bulldozed, could find the date on
the rail if its in a pile?

Michael D. Lucas
76531





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Rail manufacturers typically put their names on the rail, along with the
date it was milled or rolled, and the weight of the rail.  Other
information can sometimes be found as well.  This is molded into the
rail along the web (the thin part between the head and the base) as part
of the manufacturing process.  If the rail has been cut into sections,
some of this information may be missing.

However, the date on the rail can not be used to date the siding.  Rail
was often re-used, especially on sidings.

Dating a siding is difficult process.  It is much easier to determine
the date a line was constructed, than the date of sidings found on it.
Sidings have an ephemeral quality, being put in service as needed and
taken out when not.  Information on siding dates can sometimes be found
by researching local property records, railroad valuation maps,
insurance maps, contemporary news accounts and interviewing surviving
railroaders who worked in the area.

The best source for information on sidings is often in the
track/engineering department of the railroad serving the siding.   Here
records where frequently kept showing the date sidings went into service
and were removed from service, as well as adjustments to length and
location.  Unfortunately, these are the records least likely to be
available.

Burr Hubbell

--- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "m2040" <n5tbu@...>
wrote:
>
> I stumbled on an old spur being bulldozed here in Louisiana.
> I'm trying to guess how old it was.
> I found some letters on the rails,"Soronto" and "Steel Co LTD" on two
different sections.
> Anybody have any ideas?
> Mark
>

Dear Mark,

   I'm afraid Mr. rbhubbell is correct, Main Line track is the
'bread and butter' of most railroads as sidings only served as
'temp service' and often enough records weren't kept as strict
because of the ephemeral nature, and often enough when a
railroad is about to be 'abandoned' or 'rail banked' the company
loses the files when the company is sold out or taken over. Best
bet would be to contact your local university library or state
university library. Find out when the railroad pulled out, find
out who ran the company, and what route it took. Chances are you
might hit pay dirt. Some maps were kept of your area.

   I'm curious, how do you feel this is a siding? What state do
you live in, and have further information on which railroad did
operate in your area? Someone on here may be familiar with your
area? If not, your state university or college library may help?

   For Texas, the T.S.H.A. Online, Texas State Historical Association
went online, and keeps excellent records to the background of the
growth and demise of communities and railroads that operated in the
Texas area.

    Depending on what your state offers, check with the historical
commission or any railroad museums. Just pointing out information
is there, just got to dig here and there.

    Case in point, I never heard of a San Angelo Junction, Texas.
Turns out, the railroad in operation today took over another rail
company.

http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hvs15

Here is the article but the 'State Highway 94' is in the eastern
part of Texas. I've sent a revision to the site. Don't know if it
will be corrected, but its along U.S. 84 and U.S. 283 in Coleman
County.  Lot of times historical sites have useful and helpful
information on what you are seeking.

Hope this helps you?

Shalom,

Michael D. Lucas
76531

--- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "rbhubbell" <BurrHubbell@...>
wrote:
>
> Rail manufacturers typically put their names on the rail, along with the
> date it was milled or rolled, and the weight of the rail.  Other
> information can sometimes be found as well.  This is molded into the
> rail along the web (the thin part between the head and the base) as part
> of the manufacturing process.  If the rail has been cut into sections,
> some of this information may be missing.
>
> However, the date on the rail can not be used to date the siding.  Rail
> was often re-used, especially on sidings.
>
> Dating a siding is difficult process.  It is much easier to determine
> the date a line was constructed, than the date of sidings found on it.
> Sidings have an ephemeral quality, being put in service as needed and
> taken out when not.  Information on siding dates can sometimes be found
> by researching local property records, railroad valuation maps,
> insurance maps, contemporary news accounts and interviewing surviving
> railroaders who worked in the area.
>
> The best source for information on sidings is often in the
> track/engineering department of the railroad serving the siding.   Here
> records where frequently kept showing the date sidings went into service
> and were removed from service, as well as adjustments to length and
> location.  Unfortunately, these are the records least likely to be
> available.
>
> Burr Hubbell
>
> --- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "m2040" <n5tbu@>
> wrote:
> >
> > I stumbled on an old spur being bulldozed here in Louisiana.
> > I'm trying to guess how old it was.
> > I found some letters on the rails,"Soronto" and "Steel Co LTD" on two
> different sections.
> > Anybody have any ideas?
> > Mark
> >
>

I learned a few things,the spur served Thistewaite Lumber from approx.1902-1935.
It was located in Opelousas,La between the Southern Pacific and the Texas and
Pacific,the spur connected to both lines.
Half had rail plates on the ties,the other half only had 2 spikes holding the
rails to the ties!
Mark

--- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "Michael L"
<lawnmowermantx@...> wrote:
>
> Dear Mark,
>
>   I'm afraid Mr. rbhubbell is correct, Main Line track is the
> 'bread and butter' of most railroads as sidings only served as
> 'temp service' and often enough records weren't kept as strict
> because of the ephemeral nature, and often enough when a
> railroad is about to be 'abandoned' or 'rail banked' the company
> loses the files when the company is sold out or taken over. Best
> bet would be to contact your local university library or state
> university library. Find out when the railroad pulled out, find
> out who ran the company, and what route it took. Chances are you
> might hit pay dirt. Some maps were kept of your area.
>
>   I'm curious, how do you feel this is a siding? What state do
> you live in, and have further information on which railroad did
> operate in your area? Someone on here may be familiar with your
> area? If not, your state university or college library may help?
>
>   For Texas, the T.S.H.A. Online, Texas State Historical Association
> went online, and keeps excellent records to the background of the
> growth and demise of communities and railroads that operated in the
> Texas area.
>
>    Depending on what your state offers, check with the historical
> commission or any railroad museums. Just pointing out information
> is there, just got to dig here and there.
>
>    Case in point, I never heard of a San Angelo Junction, Texas.
> Turns out, the railroad in operation today took over another rail
> company.
>
> http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hvs15
>
> Here is the article but the 'State Highway 94' is in the eastern
> part of Texas. I've sent a revision to the site. Don't know if it
> will be corrected, but its along U.S. 84 and U.S. 283 in Coleman
> County.  Lot of times historical sites have useful and helpful
> information on what you are seeking.
>
> Hope this helps you?
>
> Shalom,
>
> Michael D. Lucas
> 76531
>
> --- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "rbhubbell" <BurrHubbell@>
wrote:
> >
> > Rail manufacturers typically put their names on the rail, along with the
> > date it was milled or rolled, and the weight of the rail.  Other
> > information can sometimes be found as well.  This is molded into the
> > rail along the web (the thin part between the head and the base) as part
> > of the manufacturing process.  If the rail has been cut into sections,
> > some of this information may be missing.
> >
> > However, the date on the rail can not be used to date the siding.  Rail
> > was often re-used, especially on sidings.
> >
> > Dating a siding is difficult process.  It is much easier to determine
> > the date a line was constructed, than the date of sidings found on it.
> > Sidings have an ephemeral quality, being put in service as needed and
> > taken out when not.  Information on siding dates can sometimes be found
> > by researching local property records, railroad valuation maps,
> > insurance maps, contemporary news accounts and interviewing surviving
> > railroaders who worked in the area.
> >
> > The best source for information on sidings is often in the
> > track/engineering department of the railroad serving the siding.   Here
> > records where frequently kept showing the date sidings went into service
> > and were removed from service, as well as adjustments to length and
> > location.  Unfortunately, these are the records least likely to be
> > available.
> >
> > Burr Hubbell
> >
> > --- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "m2040" <n5tbu@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I stumbled on an old spur being bulldozed here in Louisiana.
> > > I'm trying to guess how old it was.
> > > I found some letters on the rails,"Soronto" and "Steel Co LTD" on two
> > different sections.
> > > Anybody have any ideas?
> > > Mark
> > >
> >
>

Also the names were Soranton steel co ltd and Lack.
Google told me soranton later became Lackawanna steel then Bethlehem steel.
The soranton and Lack timelines fit in with my spur.

--- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "Michael L"
<lawnmowermantx@...> wrote:
>
> Dear Mark,
>
>   I'm afraid Mr. rbhubbell is correct, Main Line track is the
> 'bread and butter' of most railroads as sidings only served as
> 'temp service' and often enough records weren't kept as strict
> because of the ephemeral nature, and often enough when a
> railroad is about to be 'abandoned' or 'rail banked' the company
> loses the files when the company is sold out or taken over. Best
> bet would be to contact your local university library or state
> university library. Find out when the railroad pulled out, find
> out who ran the company, and what route it took. Chances are you
> might hit pay dirt. Some maps were kept of your area.
>
>   I'm curious, how do you feel this is a siding? What state do
> you live in, and have further information on which railroad did
> operate in your area? Someone on here may be familiar with your
> area? If not, your state university or college library may help?
>
>   For Texas, the T.S.H.A. Online, Texas State Historical Association
> went online, and keeps excellent records to the background of the
> growth and demise of communities and railroads that operated in the
> Texas area.
>
>    Depending on what your state offers, check with the historical
> commission or any railroad museums. Just pointing out information
> is there, just got to dig here and there.
>
>    Case in point, I never heard of a San Angelo Junction, Texas.
> Turns out, the railroad in operation today took over another rail
> company.
>
> http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hvs15
>
> Here is the article but the 'State Highway 94' is in the eastern
> part of Texas. I've sent a revision to the site. Don't know if it
> will be corrected, but its along U.S. 84 and U.S. 283 in Coleman
> County.  Lot of times historical sites have useful and helpful
> information on what you are seeking.
>
> Hope this helps you?
>
> Shalom,
>
> Michael D. Lucas
> 76531
>
> --- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "rbhubbell" <BurrHubbell@>
wrote:
> >
> > Rail manufacturers typically put their names on the rail, along with the
> > date it was milled or rolled, and the weight of the rail.  Other
> > information can sometimes be found as well.  This is molded into the
> > rail along the web (the thin part between the head and the base) as part
> > of the manufacturing process.  If the rail has been cut into sections,
> > some of this information may be missing.
> >
> > However, the date on the rail can not be used to date the siding.  Rail
> > was often re-used, especially on sidings.
> >
> > Dating a siding is difficult process.  It is much easier to determine
> > the date a line was constructed, than the date of sidings found on it.
> > Sidings have an ephemeral quality, being put in service as needed and
> > taken out when not.  Information on siding dates can sometimes be found
> > by researching local property records, railroad valuation maps,
> > insurance maps, contemporary news accounts and interviewing surviving
> > railroaders who worked in the area.
> >
> > The best source for information on sidings is often in the
> > track/engineering department of the railroad serving the siding.   Here
> > records where frequently kept showing the date sidings went into service
> > and were removed from service, as well as adjustments to length and
> > location.  Unfortunately, these are the records least likely to be
> > available.
> >
> > Burr Hubbell
> >
> > --- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "m2040" <n5tbu@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I stumbled on an old spur being bulldozed here in Louisiana.
> > > I'm trying to guess how old it was.
> > > I found some letters on the rails,"Soronto" and "Steel Co LTD" on two
> > different sections.
> > > Anybody have any ideas?
> > > Mark
> > >
> >
>

Dear Mark,

    See, a little digging in history can reveal the information
you seek. Sometimes we get stumped and need to look 'outside'
of the box. When I moved to Hamilton, TX  I noticed a railroad
R.O.W. a depot, and lot of 'used' cross ties all over town.

     Turned out, that the Stephenville Texas North and South had
served Stephenville, Alexander, Carlton, Spurlin, Eidson, Comanche,
Hamilton, Ireland, Levita, Gatesville, Lime City, McGregor, all the
way to Waco, TX. Stephenville TN&S got absorbed by St. Louis
Southwestern (Cotton Belt). Since the Gates family of Hamilton, TX
in 1908 and 1909 started the railroad, it went through trials and
tragedies till after the I.C.C. truncated the railroad in the last
days of 1940, where the 33 mile stretch from Hamilton to Gatesville
remained. Then January 1941, that stretch was pulled out. Railroad
service declined steadily from the 1930's when automobile and more
stable paved highways took shape. If only I had a camera to show
what is left, but I know some spots in Hamilton County where you can
see the 'railroad dump' as it is commonly called in Texas. It's been
a while since I drove out there, but I remember in my heart where it
was. I believe there is an old trestle bridge that later converted
to automobile traffic is now closed and blocked off.

   Most of the railroad in Hamilton county was made up of secondary,
used rails, and used cross ties. It delivered cotton, for even in
Hamilton county had several cotton gins dotted along the railroad,
and three gins operated in the city alone. Now all of them closed.
But the evidence remains with 'railroad dumps' being erased by the
passage of time. One thing to note, the Eidson to Comanche branch
run, exists intact, as paved highway on State Highway 36 from Lamkin
to Comanche. You get the 'railroad' feel when you arrive in
Comanche, TX drive over the active main line as you go to Hamilton.
When you get over the high bridge toward Gustine, TX the route goes
east.  The route goes straight smooth and gradual curves all the
way to Lamkin, where the rest of the 'route' veers off to private
land. Possibly been bulldozed and dismantled long ago.

I hope I helped you out Mark?

Shalom,

Michael D. Lucas
76531

--- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "m2040" <n5tbu@...> wrote:
>
> Also the names were Soranton steel co ltd and Lack.
> Google told me soranton later became Lackawanna steel then Bethlehem steel.
> The soranton and Lack timelines fit in with my spur.
>
>
> I learned a few things,the spur served Thistewaite Lumber from
approx.1902-1935.
> It was located in Opelousas,La between the Southern Pacific and the Texas and
Pacific,the spur connected to both lines.
> Half had rail plates on the ties,the other half only had 2 spikes holding the
rails to the ties!
> Mark
>
> --- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "Michael L"
<lawnmowermantx@> wrote:
> >
> > Dear Mark,
> >
> >   I'm afraid Mr. rbhubbell is correct, Main Line track is the
> > 'bread and butter' of most railroads as sidings only served as
> > 'temp service' and often enough records weren't kept as strict
> > because of the ephemeral nature, and often enough when a
> > railroad is about to be 'abandoned' or 'rail banked' the company
> > loses the files when the company is sold out or taken over. Best
> > bet would be to contact your local university library or state
> > university library. Find out when the railroad pulled out, find
> > out who ran the company, and what route it took. Chances are you
> > might hit pay dirt. Some maps were kept of your area.
> >
> >   I'm curious, how do you feel this is a siding? What state do
> > you live in, and have further information on which railroad did
> > operate in your area? Someone on here may be familiar with your
> > area? If not, your state university or college library may help?
> >
> >   For Texas, the T.S.H.A. Online, Texas State Historical Association
> > went online, and keeps excellent records to the background of the
> > growth and demise of communities and railroads that operated in the
> > Texas area.
> >
> >    Depending on what your state offers, check with the historical
> > commission or any railroad museums. Just pointing out information
> > is there, just got to dig here and there.
> >
> >    Case in point, I never heard of a San Angelo Junction, Texas.
> > Turns out, the railroad in operation today took over another rail
> > company.
> >
> > http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hvs15
> >
> > Here is the article but the 'State Highway 94' is in the eastern
> > part of Texas. I've sent a revision to the site. Don't know if it
> > will be corrected, but its along U.S. 84 and U.S. 283 in Coleman
> > County.  Lot of times historical sites have useful and helpful
> > information on what you are seeking.
> >
> > Hope this helps you?
> >
> > Shalom,
> >
> > Michael D. Lucas
> > 76531
> >
> > --- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "rbhubbell" <BurrHubbell@>
wrote:
> > >
> > > Rail manufacturers typically put their names on the rail, along with the
> > > date it was milled or rolled, and the weight of the rail.  Other
> > > information can sometimes be found as well.  This is molded into the
> > > rail along the web (the thin part between the head and the base) as part
> > > of the manufacturing process.  If the rail has been cut into sections,
> > > some of this information may be missing.
> > >
> > > However, the date on the rail can not be used to date the siding.  Rail
> > > was often re-used, especially on sidings.
> > >
> > > Dating a siding is difficult process.  It is much easier to determine
> > > the date a line was constructed, than the date of sidings found on it.
> > > Sidings have an ephemeral quality, being put in service as needed and
> > > taken out when not.  Information on siding dates can sometimes be found
> > > by researching local property records, railroad valuation maps,
> > > insurance maps, contemporary news accounts and interviewing surviving
> > > railroaders who worked in the area.
> > >
> > > The best source for information on sidings is often in the
> > > track/engineering department of the railroad serving the siding.   Here
> > > records where frequently kept showing the date sidings went into service
> > > and were removed from service, as well as adjustments to length and
> > > location.  Unfortunately, these are the records least likely to be
> > > available.
> > >
> > > Burr Hubbell
> > >
> > > --- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "m2040" <n5tbu@>
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I stumbled on an old spur being bulldozed here in Louisiana.
> > > > I'm trying to guess how old it was.
> > > > I found some letters on the rails,"Soronto" and "Steel Co LTD" on two
> > > different sections.
> > > > Anybody have any ideas?
> > > > Mark
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

The "Stanton Curve" is real and is actually in Bellaire, Ohio. You'll notice
that there's abandoned and overgrown trackage to the bottom of the screen from
the curve; what was that?

No oil tanks though :-) A little Hollywood addition.



A friend of mine has put together an outstanding Unstoppable web page.



  <http://www.myrailfan.com/News/1033/index.htm>
http://www.myrailfan.com/News/1033/index.htm



Railpast

Walter Pfefferle

Beachville

Ontario

Latest Photos  http://railfan.thegrebs.com/Railpast-Photos





-----Original Message-----
From: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Louis Rugani
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 12:52 PM
To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] "Unstoppable"





The "Stanton Curve" is real and is actually in Bellaire, Ohio. You'll notice
that there's abandoned and overgrown trackage to the bottom of the screen
from the curve; what was that?





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the abandonedrailroadsoftheus
group.

   File        : /Injustice has been done by Texas.docx
   Uploaded by : hornfroglooking <hornfroglooking@...>
   Description : A Short Story

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/abandonedrailroadsoftheus/files/Injustice%20has%20\
been%20done%20by%20Texas.docx

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.html
Regards,

hornfroglooking <hornfroglooking@...>

I pulled up Bellaire,Oh with my old Garmin Mapsource and man,there sure alot of
abandoned rails here! I posted a screenshot pic in the folder "stanton curve"
mark

--- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, Louis Rugani <x779@...> wrote:
>
> The "Stanton Curve" is real and is actually in Bellaire, Ohio. You'll notice
that there's abandoned and overgrown trackage to the bottom of the screen from
the curve; what was that?
>

Group,

I've just uploaded a photo to a new album "Letters on the rails" as an example
of manufacture and date markings that I found earlier this year. Location is
Kenvil, NJ. Chester Branch of M&E between Route 46 and old Ferromonte Junction. 
While on an excellent daylong walking tour of the Ferromonte Railroad lead by
Anthony L. Troha, Ph.D. (ref. The Ferromonte Historical Society of Mine Hill /
NRHS Tri-State Chapter)

These 100 year old rails have been replaced this year (2010) as the branch is
rehabilitated for increased activity.

Regards to all.

> The "Stanton Curve" is real and is actually in Bellaire, Ohio. You'll
notice that there's abandoned and overgrown trackage to the bottom of
the screen from the curve; what was that?
>

The site used for the "Stanton Curve" was actually part of a wye leading
to the bridge.  Back in the days of the B&O, the overgrown area was
double-tracked and led to a line running west along McMahon Creek.  This
line ran through Beelmont and on to Cambridge at least.
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=40.01217,-80.75380&z=14&t=T&marker0=40.01618%\
2C-80.74231%2Cbellaire\%2C%20oh
<http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=40.01217,-80.75380&z=14&t=T&marker0=40.01618\
%2C-80.74231%2Cbellaire%5C%2C%20oh>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The 1903/1905 Wheeling and St. Clairsville Topos show the trackage in the
area.

http://railsandtrails.com/USGS1900/OH/index.html

You have to install the free djvu plugin to view them. Or you can view lower
resolution versions at

http://historical.maptech.com/





Stephen Titchenal

  <http://www.railsandtrails.com> www.railsandtrails.com

  <http://www.titchenal.com> www.titchenal.com

From: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of rbhubbell
Sent: Friday, December 31, 2010 1:07 PM
To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] Re: "Unstoppable"






> The "Stanton Curve" is real and is actually in Bellaire, Ohio. You'll
notice that there's abandoned and overgrown trackage to the bottom of
the screen from the curve; what was that?
>

The site used for the "Stanton Curve" was actually part of a wye leading
to the bridge. Back in the days of the B&O, the overgrown area was
double-tracked and led to a line running west along McMahon Creek. This
line ran through Beelmont and on to Cambridge at least.
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=40.01217,-80.75380
<http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=40.01217,-80.75380&z=14&t=T&marker0=40.01618%2C-
80.74231%2Cbellaire> &z=14&t=T&marker0=40.01618%\
2C-80.74231%2Cbellaire\%2C%20oh
<http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=40.01217,-80.75380
<http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=40.01217,-80.75380&z=14&t=T&marker0=40.01618%2C-
80.74231%2Cbellaire%5C%2C%20oh> &z=14&t=T&marker0=40.01618\
%2C-80.74231%2Cbellaire%5C%2C%20oh>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

m2040 writes:
  > I stumbled on an old spur being bulldozed here in Louisiana.
  > I'm trying to guess how old it was.
  > I found some letters on the rails,"Soronto" and "Steel Co LTD" on two
different sections.
  > Anybody have any ideas?

There's usually a date stamp following the manufacturer's name. The
year will be spelled out, and the month will be from one to 12
vertical bars (which they grind into the roller the first of every
month.

--
--my blog is at    http://blog.russnelson.com
Crynwr supports open source software
521 Pleasant Valley Rd. | +1 315-600-8815
Potsdam, NY 13676-3213  |     Sheepdog

The Los Angeles Public Library has a large collection of maps available on line.
Here are links to ones I found which cover the street car and bus lines from the
early 1900s to about the 1950s.

The street car lines may be of interest to this group.

Bob Chaparro
Hemet, CA

http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0035.jpg
http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0036.jpg
http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0064.jpg
http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0062.jpg
http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0061.jpg
http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0059.jpg
http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0058.jpg
http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0057.jpg
http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0056.jpg
http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0071.jpg

This circa 1914 map from the Los Angeles Public Library collection  displays
railroad routes with major branches in Southern California.
Note the branch from Perris to Lakeview (removed in the 1930s?) and the old
transcontinental route between Lake Elsinore and Perris.

Bob Chaparro
Hemet, CA
http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0023.jpg

Does anybody know how to get rid of ROW's after the tracks have been removed
from abandoned RR?   Jay

The ROW's  have to get off maps & deeds.



   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Bob C
   To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 12:21 PM
   Subject: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] Southern Calif. Rail Routes, c. 1914



   This circa 1914 map from the Los Angeles Public Library collection displays
railroad routes with major branches in Southern California.
   Note the branch from Perris to Lakeview (removed in the 1930s?) and the old
transcontinental route between Lake Elsinore and Perris.

   Bob Chaparro
   Hemet, CA
   http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0023.jpg





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

As a member of a city planning board, I must say that these rights of way stay
on the books for years and most states require  to stay.  As far as subdivisions
are concerned, these are individual plots has your house lot is.  These
individual plots  maybe short or run fir mules, some owns them and pay taxes on
them.  You may not be aware that many of these rights of way may contain
urilies, phone or gas or even sewer libes and someday be ipennes again for some
type of rail  If you are interested from a railfan prospective, I would suggest
in some good maps or mapping software that note the history of these lines. 
They are very accurate and informative.  Warren Riccitelli North Providence RI

-----Original Message-----
From: Jay Bernhardt
Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2011 5:35 PM
To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] Southern Calif. Rail Routes, c.
1914

Does anybody know how to get rid of ROW's after the tracks have been removed
from abandoned RR?   Jay

The ROW's  have to get off maps & deeds.



   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Bob C
   To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 12:21 PM
   Subject: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] Southern Calif. Rail Routes, c. 1914



   This circa 1914 map from the Los Angeles Public Library collection displays
railroad routes with major branches in Southern California.
   Note the branch from Perris to Lakeview (removed in the 1930s?) and the old
transcontinental route between Lake Elsinore and Perris.

   Bob Chaparro
   Hemet, CA
   http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0023.jpg





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


[The entire original message is not included.]


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

As long as they have not been sold off piece-meal to residents and business'
along the row, they are still legally a right of way.  Some have been rail
banked, turned into trails, etc., but that's another issue.

Don Kirk

--- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, Warren Riccitelli
<warren.riccitelli@...> wrote:
>
> As a member of a city planning board, I must say that these rights of way stay
on the books for years and most states require  to stay.  As far as subdivisions
are concerned, these are individual plots has your house lot is.  These
individual plots  maybe short or run fir mules, some owns them and pay taxes on
them.  You may not be aware that many of these rights of way may contain
urilies, phone or gas or even sewer libes and someday be ipennes again for some
type of rail

If you are interested from a railfan prospective, I would suggest in some good
maps or mapping software that note the history of these lines.  They are very
accurate and informative.

Warren Riccitelli
North Providence RI
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jay Bernhardt
> Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2011 5:35 PM
> To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] Southern Calif. Rail Routes, c.
1914
>
> Does anybody know how to get rid of ROW's after the tracks have been removed
from abandoned RR?   Jay
>
> The ROW's  have to get off maps & deeds.
>
>
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Bob C
>   To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 12:21 PM
>   Subject: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] Southern Calif. Rail Routes, c.
1914
>
>
>
>   This circa 1914 map from the Los Angeles Public Library collection displays
railroad routes with major branches in Southern California.
>   Note the branch from Perris to Lakeview (removed in the 1930s?) and the old
transcontinental route between Lake Elsinore and Perris.
>
>   Bob Chaparro
>   Hemet, CA
>   http://jpg1.lapl.org/maps/lg/MAP_0023.jpg
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> [The entire original message is not included.]
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

--- In abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com, "Bob C" <thecitrusbelt@...>
wrote:
>
> The Los Angeles Public Library has a large collection of maps available on
line.  Here are links to ones I found which cover the street car and bus lines
from the early 1900s to about the 1950s.
>
> The street car lines may be of interest to this group.
>

Thanks for those! Always good to have such a great resource.

Hello Everyone...

I've got a question for all you railroad experts out there. I live off of W.
Market St in Greensboro, NC. There is a single Norfolk Southern line that comes
out of the main Greensboro yard and branches off down Spring Garden St and it
curves northeast along W. Market.

I don't know exactly where this line extends out too, but I know it heads into
southeastern VA I think.

Early this morning while walking the dog outside about 3:00 am...I heard a train
coming. I thought this was rather unusual in that usually all the freight along
that line usually ends about midnight.

There were two Norfolk Southern engines running with the lead engines ditch
lights turned way down. This train was pulling about 40 cars of very unusual
freight I've never seen before.

Most of the flat cars were loaded up with small buildings and each building had
what looked like sodium lights hanging by the doors of the units. The very
unusual thing is that each of these lights on the buildings were on and this
train was lite up like a Christmas Tree because of it.

I don't know if this train originated in the Greensboro yard or was just passing
through.

Does anyone from around this area know what the heck that was this morning I
saw? I have never seen anything like it before.....


Loren

Sounds like cabins for MoW workers. I saw some in Chester, SC about a month ago.

Joe Hinson
Columbia, SC
(Current best way to reach me is e-mail)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joethephotog/

--- On Thu, 3/17/11, bushflying62 <bushflying62@...> wrote:


From: bushflying62 <bushflying62@...>
Subject: [Abandoned Railroads of the US] Very Unusual Freight Question??
To: abandonedrailroadsoftheus@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, March 17, 2011, 6:54 AM


 



Hello Everyone...

I've got a question for all you railroad experts out there. I live off of W.
Market St in Greensboro, NC. There is a single Norfolk Southern line that comes
out of the main Greensboro yard and branches off down Spring Garden St and it
curves northeast along W. Market.

I don't know exactly where this line extends out too, but I know it heads into
southeastern VA I think.

Early this morning while walking the dog outside about 3:00 am...I heard a train
coming. I thought this was rather unusual in that usually all the freight along
that line usually ends about midnight.

There were two Norfolk Southern engines running with the lead engines ditch
lights turned way down. This train was pulling about 40 cars of very unusual
freight I've never seen before.

Most of the flat cars were loaded up with small buildings and each building had
what looked like sodium lights hanging by the doors of the units. The very
unusual thing is that each of these lights on the buildings were on and this
train was lite up like a Christmas Tree because of it.

I don't know if this train originated in the Greensboro yard or was just passing
through.

Does anyone from around this area know what the heck that was this morning I
saw? I have never seen anything like it before.....

Loren











[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi everyone.

I am hoping smeone in this group knows the current status of this former narrow
gauge line turned tourist line in MI.

About ten years ago or more, I stayed in East Lansing to visit a heritage
museum of many old buildings.  I remember having to drive about fifteen minutes
from my hotel.  On the property, they were using an abandoned RR line for
narrow guage steam operation.   The line was probably about two miles and had
turnarounds installed on both ends but you could see where the line had
continued at one point.  They had their own shops and our conductor was saying
that they sometimes did repairs for other musuems' equipment.

I have been Googling recently, trying to find the place as I now have a better
appreciation for heritage lines from working on two of them up here in Canada.
I'd like to drop by again if I could find the place or find the name of the
abandoned line as I'm sure that would point me in the right direction.

Any help you-always-resourceful-members have would be appreciated.

Mike
Whitby, Ontario, Canada.