synonymouse Wrote:
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> Just allowing NCRA-NWP to dictate and impose
> FRA-AAR heavy freight standards and specs on SMART
> was a huge, erroneous, egregious political favor.
>
> But the in-crowd could not even secure 136lb rail.
> Mansourian was sending them a message about who's
> ultimately the boss.

Synonymouse I think your getting delusional. The original NCRA SMART agreement was based on the concept that the railroad was to be shared for the benefit of freight and passenger service each party being equal.SMART has trumped all over the NWP. So of course the line would be rebuilt to heavy freight standards. No political favors needed on that issue.

NWP ran the railroad with whatever leftovers SP gave them . For over fifty years long heavy trains ran on 90 lbs 110 lbs and 119 lbs without issue.The San Rafael branch and most of the sidings and spurs are 75 lbs rail . The 115lbs rail Smart installed will work fine for freight and passenger service for many years to come . This is another non issue you have created in your mind.