Economic forces and product changes have forced the C.V.S. Ry. to seek alternate sources of ballast for spring repairs.
Formerly we used an Old Castle product called Mr. Granite Step 2 Bedding Sand which was nice angular crushed granite in dust available from Homely Despot. For some reason HD decided to change suppliers and now carries a bedding sand product that is much more sand like (round granules) and a funny brown color. It just wont do.
Many of you know I railfan a stone transfer plant near my work - hopper loads of stone come in by rail to be stockpiled and then leave by dump truck. I stopped at the Tilcon Danbury Stone Plant yesterday to inquire about Stone Dust and picked up a sample of what they call Stone Sand. Very similar to the product I was buying in bags from HD. At $26.50 / Ton it is a whole bunch less expensive than $3.25 for a 50 lb bag. The railroad will save over $100/Ton on ballast this year.
To solve the logistical problem of delivery, Matthew and I are adding 12" framed plywood sides to our utility trailer. I’m comfortable carrying a little less than 1/2 ton in my trailer. We hope to finish tonight so I can bring a load home on Friday. Unfortunately, the stone plant is not open on weekends.
With this change the C.V.S. Ry. will be using the same ballast as the local railroads (crushed a bit finer) transported from the quarry by rail except for the last few miles.
JR