i too have seen used rails on the edge of the ballast along the tracks.how long they remain depends on the importance of the line by which they are laying. i have also seen on occasion old cross ties laying among the rails.as to the length of time they are there again depends on the importance of the particular line and the availability of maintence crews to get it away.
Another comment burned by getting faked out by the prominent New Post button at the top of the page by the original post. I think you wanted to make it here?
While there is no confusion in my mind as a seasoned poster, I can see where newer forum members can screw this up. But, wouldn’t you think that members would realize this when they are required to input the subject matter all over again on a new post? Maybe not.
Why doesn’t IT resolve this problem by relabeling the button from New Post to something like Start a New Thread?
Rich
We all seen that but,I suspect there was room to work safely.
Some times I think most modelers fail to understand how dangerous railroading is and how anything including a discarded spike can cause a tripping accident that can lead to injury or death.
Railroads has never taken safety lightly that’s why there are rules that railroad employees need to follow that covers every aspect of railroading.
When a railroad replaces a rail, the old one is left on the side for pick up later by a different train.
NYCT has spare rails inside of the gauge so that they can be used when repairs are needed as it is very difficult to get new iron into the tunnels and or up on the structures. Old rails are also left there until a different train comes out to collect them. In tunnels and on structures there is no space outside of the gauge to place such iron.
You will also see spare frogs inside of the gauge.
Placing bits of rail about on your layout is a nice touch.
ROAR
I agree as long as a modeler keeps safety in mind when he places the rail and understand in the areas where switchmen will be working the new rail will be off to the side.