OK, first of all, 70# is reasonably rare. We look at a lot of track and other than some sidings, it's been a while. Still a lot of 85# out there, not much 70.

You haven't said much about 'what kind' of 70# rail and how old. If you're just selling 70# rail without identification or grade, you're exposing yourself to 'maybe' getting ripped off, because if that's all people know that's for sure all you'll get - scrap grade for remelt.

My rail grading book shows only one pattern style - 70# ASCE with a 4 5/8 height (before headwear), 2 7/16 head width (before wear) and a 4 5/8 base width. Unless you're completely willing to settle for scrap, you need to search the web for more information in terms of roll year, mill, etc, and then take some dimensions off of the head to see how much wear is there. That stuff is too small to be rerolled and there is little demand if any for relay that light - so unless you've got a trolley or museum line that wants rail that light, possible. So it may be in good shape and still not get much of a relay-grade premium.

Before the Great Recession I was seeing scrap purchases of 85# up in the $660 range and urged some clients to sell, which they did, and then it tanked. It's come back up, slowly, but still isn't there. Some folks (like us) have a subscription to the American Metal Market sales database to track pricing, but it is also region sensitive as well as grade. The market is headed to electric remelt furnaces, and the short stuff that doesn't require reprocessing (like rail crops, OTM) is the 'good stuff' they pay the most for. They pay more for it cut up because it means they don't have to, that simple.

I'm not debating the 'should you or shouldn't you' part, just the 'make sure you don't get ripped off' part if you do. Make sure you offer it around to the big regional rail scrapyards like A&K, Foster, etc. and not just to local buyers, but you'll need to know more about the rail to get their attention.

For all the museums and such out there, be aware that certain types of OTM - particularly bars with odd drilling and certain rail styles, are nearly becoming collectors items. At least learn what you've got and what it's worth.

Where is this "fledgling NC Narrow Gauge Museum?" Is this a new name for the Doe River Gorge operation, or something else?

Matt,
Contact me via h_k_nicholls@peoplepc.com

Harry Nicholls

It will be located in Newton, NC- www.newtondepot.com

Currently we have narrow gauge boxcars from the Carolina & North-Western, East TN & Western NC, and Lawndale Railway. Also we have ET&WNC #1, a couple of standard gauge pieces, and we are in negotiations for several other pieces as well.

A cache of spare rail doesn't have to look like a junk pile. It can be easily organized so it doesn't clutter up the scenery.

It's appropriate clutter for a historic railroad site. Too many are sterile and lack the piles of rusty hardware that provide the right context - especially shop and shortline facilities. If you've never visited Jamestown, CA, do and you will see how rich the experience is compared to a clean, sterile historic site.

dave

Save the 70# rail. It's getting really hard to come by. When one looks at photos of older rail yards you notice that they are cluttered. This clutter becomes part of the display of a RR museum. Neat clutter adds a lot to feel that visitors like.