The typical path is model the prototype but I didn’t expect prototype to follow model. Today Wall Street Journal (Oct 19,2004), section B, had an article on prototype using plastic ties(sleepers). The operational characteristic and weight they’re engineering for are the wood tie but with double the life. Looks like they’re still trying to get a handle on the cost issue but are getting close.
Can flex track be far away? thirty foot sections?
And just how much would a piece of that flextrack weigh???[;)]
There is already a prototype “flextrack.” I have seen it used on the BNSF main NE of Kansas City, MO. It was about 15 feet long or so and was used when track was under repair.
Ron
Interesting but I don’t see how a plastic tie will be cost effective compared to a concrete tie (which lasts at least three times longer than a wood tie).
BC
They already have ribbon rail that’s 1/4 mile long. That’s flex without the ties.[:D]
REX
Bill,
There are several costs rolled into this. Wood ties are about $35 apiece, concrete is $45-$55 apiece. Wood is 200#, concrete 800#. Then there is a lot of special installation equipment. Finally, the give in a wood tie takes the stresses of heavier freight cars of U.S. railroads, our roads have more curved track and have a lot more traffic. The article did note that concrete is used on the Northeast Corridor and on new track in the west. NS says it found that wear and maintenance of concrete is not at advertised levels.