on Sat, 23 Aug 2014 08:27:01 -0700 (PDT) typed
in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
On Friday, August 22, 2014 12:04:54 PM UTC-4, Ignoramus7070 wrote:
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.

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.

BTW, here is the tool they use to dig out railroad spikes:

-- http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/t...OPIC_ID=121328

I doubt that is what some are declaring it to be. For one, the
hammer head is way too close to the handle - can't reach over the rail
to drive spikes on the other side.

(I'm sure asking any RR worker can help you in the right direction)

Two tools - one is the spike hammer. Which is not what he needs.
The other is a 'crowbar' with a claw at one end to pry the spikes out.
At four to five feet long, can also be used to move the rail. A tad.
That is what he 'needs'.

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