I’m looking to find out what the length of a tie in feet and the spacing (number per mile prototype) (number per feet in HO scale) would be in the late 1970’s. The track I plan to model is a large branch line feeder with 90lb rail. Anyone have suggestions on who produces the right size of tie? I am looking for a low profile tie as the prototype had about 6 or so inches of ballast. What about wood stock to make my own? Thanks.
Nate
The dimensions for ties varied with the terrain and parent company in years gone by. If all they had was lodgepole or jackpine, chances are the ties were less than 7" on a side. If they had better trees, or were prepared to bring the ties from elsewhere, they could go up to 11-12". Spacing was typically near 12", but ties were often not laid parallel…human error, or because subterrain had boulders that were not considered worth the bother to dig up or blast out. The ties are spread around what sticks up too much.
In modern times, the ties, whether concrete or wood, are larger, and more uniform on any one railroad. They would be near 12" on a side, ballasted to just near the top surface, and spaced between 15-18" from near side-to-near side…or about 24" center to center using 80 lb track.