by pablo
Hmmm. I won't say that it's the worst that I've seen, but it certainly isn't good. There's no doubt about that.
I have a few comments, even though no one asked:
1. First, no one should be taking pictures on the ROW, which is certainly the case in that first picture. It's a good way to get hit, arrested, banned, etc.
2. It seems the idea that there are drainage problems is certainly the case.
3. Yard tracks are often maintained at a different standard than mainline rails. I have nothing to back this statement up other than personal experience. It's not uncommon to see yard rails in rough shape and yet still used, so my guess is that it's acceptable to have a lower standard in such places. I remember seeing Mechanicville and (I think it was) Alplaus on Guilford looking little more than two shiny ribbons being eaten by black dirt in my youth, and yet those rails saw regular traffic.
Overall, though you or I may find the rails to be bad, don't advocate closing anything; the people maintaining the rails may be proud of the fact that they've been able to keep things running for as long as they have. Who knows what the budget there is.
Dave Becker
I have a few comments, even though no one asked:
1. First, no one should be taking pictures on the ROW, which is certainly the case in that first picture. It's a good way to get hit, arrested, banned, etc.
2. It seems the idea that there are drainage problems is certainly the case.
3. Yard tracks are often maintained at a different standard than mainline rails. I have nothing to back this statement up other than personal experience. It's not uncommon to see yard rails in rough shape and yet still used, so my guess is that it's acceptable to have a lower standard in such places. I remember seeing Mechanicville and (I think it was) Alplaus on Guilford looking little more than two shiny ribbons being eaten by black dirt in my youth, and yet those rails saw regular traffic.
Overall, though you or I may find the rails to be bad, don't advocate closing anything; the people maintaining the rails may be proud of the fact that they've been able to keep things running for as long as they have. Who knows what the budget there is.
Dave Becker
~Dave Becker
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