tomscharbach In wet/damp areas, ties are treated with really nasty stuff
Creosote, or something even worse? There are no spikes or ties along the Iron Horse Trail, just a smooth easy incline to hike, so apparently everything was recycled. It's so smooth that you could even hike it with your eyes closed, which would be a lot like forgetting to bring flashlights with you, as the tunnel is about a mile long.
Notice how smooth the surface is. The entire trail is like that. Nothing to trip over the whole way. I was curious when it was built, so I asked ChatGPT.
It's good to hear from you, Tom! I've missed your posts since the end of the Solus Troubles early in the year. The pounds that classify the rails ... is that per foot, per yard, per meter? Just curious.
I was curious when the tunnel was abandoned, so I checked with ChatGPT again. The company went out of business in the 1970s, which was about when I arrived in Washington from Ohio. Could it be that this is the railroad line that also ran through your area? The following from Chat GPT:
The Milwaukee Road, also known as the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (CMStP&P), was a historic railroad company that operated in the United States. It was notable for its extensive network and innovative engineering, as well as its struggles and eventual demise.
Founded in 1847, the Milwaukee Road initially aimed to connect the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with the Mississippi River. Over the years, it expanded its routes and reached various key cities, including Chicago, Minneapolis, Seattle, and Tacoma. The railroad's tracks covered a vast territory, serving both agricultural and industrial regions.
One of the Milwaukee Road's most iconic features was its electrified lines, particularly on the section known as the "Electrified Coast Division" between Chicago and the Twin Cities. This pioneering electrification was a part of the railroad's effort to improve efficiency, reduce pollution, and increase train speeds. The most famous of these electric locomotives were the streamlined "Little Joe" electric locomotives used for hauling freight.
However, the Milwaukee Road faced financial challenges for much of its history. The railroad's expansion, electrification projects, and other investments resulted in high debt, making it difficult to turn a profit. Competition from other transportation modes, such as trucks and airplanes, further strained its financial health.
In the 1970s, the Milwaukee Road filed for bankruptcy and faced continued financial difficulties. The company's assets were eventually sold off to other railroads, leading to the dissolution of the Milwaukee Road itself. Various portions of its routes were taken over by other railroads, such as the Soo Line and the Chicago and North Western Railway.
The legacy of the Milwaukee Road lives on through the memories of rail enthusiasts, historical societies, and the impact it had on the regions it served. Many remnants of its infrastructure, including tracks, stations, and bridges, can still be found along its former routes, offering a glimpse into the history of American railroading.