Large Scale Central

EBT tie length

Prototypes
#1

Hello All! Specifically the EBT minded crowd:

I have heard some conflicting reports of the EBT’s use of standard gauge ties. Some say they definitely used them, other say they didn’t. I would think that this might have changed over the years of operation…at times during the EBT’s history, they certainly did more than flirt with the idea of standard gauging the whole operation (which is why most of the infrastructure; tunnels, bridges etc, was built with standard gauge clearances in mind, and why they could haul standard gauge cars on narrow gauge trucks using the timber transfer). Some of the branch lines were even laid in heavier rail (if I’m remembering correctly) because of the thought that the railroad might be converted within their lifespan. Is their any evidence of longer ties being used in this period?

The reason why I’m asking is because I’m considering hand laying some track, and I’d like it to be as accurate as possible.

Thanks!

#2

I just went through this same bit of research. For me, I’ll be hand laying all switches but using tie strips for the rest. I had a large box of Micro engineering tie strips and when I assembled some track and set some cars on it, I could tell something was off. I posed some questions and even wrongly stated that they used standard gauge ties and was looking for a tie strip to emulate that. Kevin Strong (former editor of the TT and EBT historian) was quick to point out that they did not use standard gauge ties but rather used ones that measured 7’ long. It turned out that the Acucraft Narrow gauge tie strips were perfect. They scale at a titch under 7’ and had a bigger cross section that I think really looks EBT. They measure 4" x .5 x .375 which is the size I’m cutting my switch ties as well. From what I’ve seen poking around out there this year as a rule they were mostly this size. Of course Mount Union would be the exception with it’s dual gauge track.

This is just my speculation, but I think they favored the “larger” than average ties because they helped support and distribute load when they were hauling standard gauge cars and running their beautiful mammoth Mikes.