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I guess the basic decision is between buried posts (a la "fence"), or structure sitting "on-ground". Minimum maintenance favors the posts, as long as their bases are below frostline, which can be taken as four feet in this part of Ontario.
I can only assume that this would also be much more rigid than a free-floating structure above ground.
Downside, it would take more effort to dig the holes. I don't think we could simply drive the posts in, they would tend to keep going down as we drove over the tops. I have a pile (~100 or so) of concrete slabs (7" x 12" x 3" thick)we could place in the bottom of the holes as footings. 3"-4" pipe in 6'-7' lengths would leave 2'-3' above ground, to be trimmed to final height using a transit. I really don't relish the idea of digging holes by hand every 6'-8' or less, I think this is a job for a tractor mounted, PTO driven post hole auger. Pole line contracter?
On-ground structure would probably require considerably more ballast under the supports than at the PHSM. The ground at Gerry's site is much softer. It might be an idea to have a dump truck drive around the track right of way spreading 3/4" clean crushed rock. Some of the trucks have a small hole in the gate, so a roadbed could be laid out following a string, only requiring to be raked level on top. If it is deep enough, it should help eliminate frost heaving as well. The same method could be used for the ground level track as well, with a layer of smaller rock (1/4" clean or stone dust?)on top for supporting the ties prior to ballasting with more of the same.
The other advantage of a continuous line of crushed stone under the elevated track is that it would eliminate mowing around the posts, as well as offering some level of protection against grass fires.
GaryH Member # 5813
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For new elevated, I would think posts in the ground certainly has to be better than the floating system. Maybe the same maintenance come spring time but easier to do. Shovelling some stone dust under the feet every time you want to use the track was painful.
Definatley a post hole auger of some description.
The only downside is once a layout is decided, there is no easy way of changing it, short of cutting the post off. Not the end of the world, not to difficult to do.
Speaking of gravel, does anyone have a phone number for Tackaberry in Athens, when I googled them all I could find was an address. Looking for a rough price on a load of 3/4 inch (crusher run or whatever is cheap) delivered to Westport
Dave D. FSME Member # 5801
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I don't think you would have to cut the post off if it isn't set in concrete. Just backfill it with stone screened out of the 3/4" crusher run. The post should just pull out. We could look into pricing on 3/4" clean and 1/2" crusher run as well.
GaryH Member # 5813
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Now I see the point of the concrete slabs as footings. Think the gravel will hold a post on a curve?
railbuff Member # 5818
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I think that the phone number for Tackaberry is 613-924-2634.
Peter D. FSME
Dave D. FSME Member # 5801
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I have confirmed the phone #. . . I'll call tomorrow and get some pricing.
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