The Tie That Binds

[PolyesterMafia]

I'm just curious, does anyone live near a rail-line that uses the plastic-composite ties? In my area, the rr's aren't even totally sold on using concrete ties, much less trying a bendable one.

[buzz456]

http://www.axionintl.com/products-compo ... -ties.html

[PolyesterMafia]

Very interesting document. I wonder if they sound different as trains pass over them. I'm kind of skeptical though about the claim that they won't leech chemicals. I saw these being made on a TV program, and they used a binding agent (and molding process) that looked similar to what I've seen used in a recycled rubber mat factory. Those things would leech the binder and ruin the floor beneath within a year of placing them.

[buzz456]

I did a little research on this (being in the plastics business) and they go to great lengths to not tell us what these things are made from. I'll see what I can find out. If in fact the resin base is bottle material they will not leach anything out however I am surprised that unless they really load these guys up with UV inhibitor I can't see a very long life on them. That nice little symbol they put on the end of the tie is meaningless. It signify's no recognizable class of plastic.

[buzz456]

http://www.solaripedia.com/13/383/5381/ ... sites.html

Polyethylene. Hmmm.

[ErikGorbiHamilton]

On the Steepest Class 1 Railroad grade in the U.S. (The Paine Field Spur which makes Saluda a Sandbox) uses steel ties