One of the perks of working for BNSF in Spokane is there is quite a bit of GN track (spurs and branch) left. So when ever I work a train that operates on those lines (mainly the Chewela turn and the mead switch) when I have a minute I look for date nails. There are not many left and I have had the best luck in more remote area's but so far I have found a few. I have 57/61/and 68 so far. I even found one in Hauser yard but I was not aware the NP used them so I think they must have recycled the tie from somewehere else. Kevin
I have pulled several pounds worth of them from the Great Falls-Ft. Benton branch in particular. Mostly common ones of the 48-59, and some 60's nails. For those who don't know what GN date nails look like:
NP did use date nails. But, AFAIK, they quit decades before the merger. 1930's? So, I'd think you might be correct. Boxcab E50
Here's a good one for you folks. Above are two Milwaukee Road date nails. At left, a 1949. Which has been widely proclaimed as the last year they used date nails. At right, OOPS!!! That's right- Your eyes are not playing tricks! It's a 1951. (Sounds of "expert" egos deflating all around us.) Their shanks are identical... I personally pulled that 1951. From Milw tracks. A known location, date, with witnesses. There were NO other railroad companies tracks around. It was in a tie. Not in a pole, etc, etc. Sorry "experts." mg: It's real. Boxcab E50
I found a few date nails on the old intown Quincy, WA siding for 1967. Also found a few near Albus for 1961. Found only one between Adrian and Stratford. Found a few on the old WO for 61 as well. All were found 2 months ago. They are getting as rare as hens teeth on the main line.
I don't bother to look on the mainline--most mainline ties are devoid of 'nails. I have found up to '68s on the Ft Benton branch. The oldest I have pulled are a few 28/29's from north of Big Sandy.
I found more nails tonight working the Mead turn, a 59 and a 61. The 59 pulled right out of the tie but the 61 was stuck. At some point I dropped the 59 but I know where the 61 is and plan on getting it one of these days. Kevin
Have found date nails as early as '07 in old RR ties used as fence posts. You're more likely to find them in more arid parts of the country.
Cattle pens, any place a tie might be re-used, outside of railroading. Also, hike abandoned lines. And look over the sides of embankments, etc. Any place a tie might have been tossed. Any place it could have been used as cribbing, etc. Boxcab E50
I got a '15 once but it's lost again in the box with all the rest. One of these days I'll sort it out...
Coincidence? I just came across... ...a '48 out of the mailine thru Suffern, NY. About 20 years ago I found a gang of 'em- '26 and on. I ain't saying I pulled a one. I wonder if track crews report them to the chief when they're doing maintanence or is it ignored? Mark
The engineering folks should already have records of those nailed ties. I've never seen anyone actually pull the nails for other RR use. I have seen where a die was used on copper nails. Leaving the nail in it's original hole, they'd alter the shape of the head, in a tie that was being re-laid. Boxcab E50
