AboutChris Holliday Expertise Questions related to contemporary passenger rail vehicles and their technology, including subway, light rail, commuter and intercity rolling stock. Includes all vehicle systems and features along with integration of the vehicles into the general railroad system.
Experience I have over 22 years of experience in the passenger rail vehicle business as both an engineering manager at a car builder and as a provider of engineering services to commuter railroads and transit agencies in the US. I have worked to apply the latest technologies to passanger rail equipment. I have worked with leaders in our industry to develop and establish Standards and Recommended practices.
Expert: Chris Holliday Date: 2/5/2008 Subject: railroad rails
Question My 6 year old grandson is a railroad fanatic. He is bugging me to find a couple of short rails to lay down in his backyard. He loves railroad scrap yards and is intrigued by the rails and ties. We live in central new jersey. Is there anywhere I could pick up or have delivered a pair of short length rails? Thanks for your time.
Answer Thanks for your question.
Most railroads replace rail on a periodic basis. When they do, they typically sell the old rail directly to recycler to be melted down and re-used. There is no "retail" way to buy used rail.
It may be possible that a short line or tourist railroad would have some old rail around for use in "yard projects". If you do not have access to a scrap yard in your area, I would suggest that you visit one of the small tourist railroads in your area to speak with them about acquiring some surplus scrap rail.
In Central New Jersey, You could visit the Black River and Western in Ringoes (http://www.brwrr.com/).
