Don't be turned off by the age of the rail, if it's got a good head and passes the ultrasonic inspection machine it's as good as any. Light rail just isn't intended to support the kind of weight that it does today. Railroaders never dreamed of 286,000 lb cars back 100 years ago. If you dare to trespass on a branch line some time, you will be surprised at the dates on the rail you find. For example, most UP branches in the northwest that still have 90 pound on them are using rail made in the early 1900's. Some of the rail on the former NP branches dates to the 1890's for the 85 and 90 pound. Last time I was in Kettle Falls, there was some 112 lb with 1915 dates. Good roadbed and ties and rail can hold up pretty well--curves are another matter as head wear is a problem. Tehachapi loop, rail on most curves only lasts a year or so---even the head hardened stuff.