Found this in my dad’s yard, he said it’s been there for years. It is significantly smaller then a normal mainline rail, and only weighs about 15lbs. I’m thanking some kind of narrow gauge rail maybe? http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee106/mac114u/IMGP2360.jpg http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee106/mac114u/IMGP2357.jpg http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee106/mac114u/IMGP2358.jpg
Anything ever in your area such as mining? Industry? Plantation? Looks like about the right size for one of those. Boxcab E50
It may be a piece of rail from a long-gone sugar plantation or logging camp. There were many of both these activities in your area over the last 100-150 years. You didn't mentioned its length, so I assume it's 30-40 pound (to the yard) rail based on the size of your hand, and similar sized rail found along some of the 100 year-old logging trails throughout south Mississippi.
The sugar cane plantations would lay track out to the new crop for harvesting and then pull it up and move it as needed. The lighter the rail, the easier to do. Rail about that size is being dug up around here all the time. The rail in this photo is probably a little heavier but was in a more permanent location.
John, Can you provide any measurements of this rail? Specifically the width of the base of the rail and the height of the rail from the base to the head? I have some old charts from work that might help identify an accurate weight/size.
John, we can probably determine its use by knowing its weight/yard. That might also allow Pat to look up the dimensions usually associated with that weight rail. Please measure its length to the nearest 1/4 inch and weigh it to the nearest 1/2 pound. I'll take it from there. Thanks I doubt if it's trolley rail. Most trolley rail used in streets have a U-shaped channel on one side of the railhead to prevent paving material from interfering with flanges. Paving materials don't interfere with railroad street running because the locos and cars are much heavier than trolleys, so break up material in the flangeways.
I agree. It looks to be no more than 20 pound at most. Probably used in a mining, logging, or agricultural setting. You might also determine it's use, by exploring some local history. That could help pinpoint the company that owned it. Boxcab E50
Since your in Nacthitoches, my guess would be sugar plantation rail as suggested earlier. And btw, Hi Neighbor!
