On the BNSF Gallup Sub (ex-Santa Fe), there are still a few ties with date nails in place. I took a pic of one nail with the number "65", indicating the tie was installed 41 years ago. Still looked to be in good shape. And of course, since the tie was in service, I left the nail alone, BTW, this is on the South Main of the 2-track line. On some spots on this sub there are concrete ties (around Coolidge & in Gallup), but in most places I've seen wood ties.
dang, wish I had some SP date nails. I have spikes, tie plates, air hose with gladhand coupler, control panel from a Cantalever signal bridge..etc, but no date nails.
You guys are making me feel real bad about losing my tie nail collection. I haven't heard anybody mention tie length nails. These were put in the end of ties that were anything over the standard 8 foot length. There was a nail for every 6 inches over standard length, up to 16 feet. I know, I had a complete set of them.
I haven't looked for length nails, I am just overjoyed by finding date nails. I had never seen them before.
I've never seen them used for length. Amazing how many different adaptations there once were, for date nails. Then there were those used by the phone company, power company, and...... Boxcab E50
