A Lot of Hot Air

The South Carolina Railroad Museum is fortunate to have about 13 miles of track. 

Approximately 6 miles is west of Rion and can only be used by motorcars.  The other 7 miles of the track consists of 6 miles of mainline used for passenger trips and 1 mile of sidings.  Maintaining the track for our tourist excursions is one of our biggest challenges.  Traditionally railroads have used wood ties.  On the Rockton & Rion, we have primarily wood ties most of which have been replaced at least once since we acquired the railroad from Martin Marietta Aggregates in 1984.  Over the years we were able to acquire about a mile of concrete ties from SCE&G which are mostly on the south mainline in Rion.  Recently we have started using composite (plastic) ties.  While wood ties usually last about 15 years the composite ties are supposed to last for 40+ years.  Unfortunately, composite ties are about three times more expensive than wood ties.  

Maintaining the track includes replacing old ties, trimming trees and brush along the right-of-way, making sure the ballast (stone roadbed) is dressed properly to drain water away from the track, and removing leaves and pine straw to prevent premature rotting of the wood ties.  To ensure a safe trip for our passengers we inspect the track each week making sure the track is ready for upcoming excursions.