RE: Class 1 Track Standards
Author: Roadmaster Wannabee
Date: 09-13-2013 - 21:11
The minimum standards as set by the Federal Railroad Administration for "Class 1" track are pretty damn scary. The average rail-fan or laymen would be absolutely astonished at what could pass for class 1 track. Track that somebody can run a passenger train at 15 mph on. Its scary.
I personally have walked some good sections of the right of way purchased by the SCCRTC and can speak for its incredibly good shape. Yes some of the bridges need some work which are receiving some attention this season but all things considered its a pretty damn nice right of way all the way from Watsonville to Davenport.
You have to be aware that excepted track has nothing to do with its current state. It all has to do with the railroads inspection of the track and how much time and money they want to put in to it. I haven't seen the section that they want to upgrade for this holiday train but i bet its in prety good shape to begin with which is why they chose to operate the train this year as opposed to cancel it.