Ignoramus7070 on Fri, 22 Aug 2014
11:04:54 -0500 typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
On 2014-08-22, wrote:
On Thursday, August 21, 2014 3:13:37 AM UTC, pyotr filipivich wrote:
Probably easier to pull the spikes out of the plates, then cut the
rails in place.

If you happen to have a ball joist tool ( See Harbor Freight item
1740 ) you might try using it to pull the spikes. It and a 2 to 4
lb hammer might be able to get the spikes out with a single blow.
So you might be able to get the rails free pretty rapidly. Knee
pads would be a good thing if you try that.

The rails are submerged up to the webs, digging out nails is cost
prohibitive.

As opposed to rigging a rail lifter? I don't know, it is your
job. Would depend to me on if I had bid on this, was ah, er, ah
"salvaging abandoned rails" or was clearing them off my property.

How long is the stretch of rail you are wanting to pull? If you
have a mile or so to pull it would be worth trying several things to
see what is fastest.

There are some freely laying around disconnected rails and 160 yards
of rails with ties submerged to the webs.

I am still of the opinion that pulling the spikes might be
"easiest". OTOH, if you start lifting a rail, you might find out how
many of the spikes are solidly set.
OT3H, "How long will it take you to get those rails up?" (IOW -
I'm not there, not my circus, not my monkeys. B-) "Sounds like you
guys got an interesting day ahead of you.")

tschus
pyotr


--
pyotr filipivich
"With Age comes Wisdom. Although more often, Age travels alone."