One rail joint is visible but that is not proof that the whole line is jointed rail, although for all I know it could be. There are many reasons for finding rail joints in CWR. Here I see a grade crossing further back, and likely the photographer is standing near another. The need for insulated joints for the crossing circuits at multiple locations would mean any lengths of CWR would be very short. It could also be a plug rail replacing a defective piece of CWR. You can usually find a rail joint, or several, where a turnout is located.
Jointed rail requires more maintenance, but as long as that happens it will stand up very successfully, as shown by some 150 years of operation. As a side comment, for several years CPR was operating unit coal trains over a stretch of 85# jointed rail. Speed was restricted, and in the engineering department a few fingers were crossed, but no trains derailed.
Since we are on the topic of the May issue, compare this picture I took back in 1973 with that on the top of page 74 some 40 years later. I am standing in nearly the same location, but where did all those trees come from.....
http://www3.telus.net/jsuther9/rails/1973-01-20Cb-Woodstock-4730-4743.jpg
John
A really long telephoto shot can sometimes make good rail look questionable....
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Shadows indicate the train is moving eastbound, so no doubt loaded. Between snow cover and the photo composition, only a few feet of the top of the rail is visible. A rail joint is visable, which could indicate stick vs. CW rail, but hardly any evidence that the track is in poor shape.
"We have met the enemy and he is us." Pogo Possum "We have met the anemone... and he is Russ." Bucky Katt "Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future." Niels Bohr, Nobel laureate in physics
Is it known if the train pictured is loaded or empty? Some carriers are moving empties on trackage that they would not move the loads.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
The May issue is rife with oil train issues (3 stories). In the same issue it shows a "glory shot" of a NS unit oil train being led by a BNSF loco coming down the Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern.
However, one only look at the foot of the lead loco to understand there is a unintended relationship. The CF&E ROW is on ancient jointed rail. Photo caption didn't say, but one wonders if this consist was moving only 15-20mph.
The picture looked great! But the relationship to the derailment stories was definitely more than intended! Hopefully a curious reporter will call Don Philips on that one for a better explanation!
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