The original Granite City Rwy/Rockton & Rion RR were started around 1889 or so. Some of the rail is light (60 lb) and old (perhaps original). The wall was part of a continuing effort by the RR to upgrade the line. It was about 2/3 of the way along when the line was shut down west of Rion Quarry. It was an apparently abrupt ending as there is a switch at the west end of the wall (about where the video begins) and a short stretch of track that had been laid. If finished it would have been 1+ mile.
The last time I was there we stopped at the first quarry. How much of the line has been reopened since 2005? Also, is the clearance along the wall enough for full sized trains?
Trains still stop just west of Rion Quarry which is the first quarry. We have an application in for a grant request to rebuild about an additional mile of track heading west from Rion in 2008.
Trains will clear the wall except for one spot that is questionable. The wall will have to be rebuilt or modified in that one spot.
Thanks, I'll be up there Sunday for a ride beind Flagg Coal #75. Will this train run all the way to the quarry like the regular trains do? Oh, one more thing. The last time I was there ACL #712 was still at the quarry. Is she still there too?
Ah, yes "The Great Wall", I know it well. Every time we (read, the members of SCRM) rode over the washout, we made sure to say a quick prayer to the Iron Horse Gods (and Goddesses) that we didn't derail at that spot!
And I'm the one who moans about over zealous safety rules here in the UK. Facinating. I assume those are the original rails and ties? What was the original reason for building the railroad?
There are new joint bars and bolts and 5 gage rods over that hole. The track is not going to move. In the next month or so, we will prop the low rail up and then start filling in the sink hole.
Holy Shit! @ 1:45...
zcg3 9 months ago
awesome adventure!! You were riding a speeder, right?
gusneaker 10 months ago
good video?
justicerobbie67 1 year ago
1:48 Did not look safe-at-all!! Im suprised yall made it across!
Landaux 1 year ago
Right around 1:40 - You guys are NUTS!
emmasweeny 2 years ago
How old is that track?
What was the purpose of the "wall"?
Another track to a higher elevation?
Thank you.
robertgift 3 years ago
The original Granite City Rwy/Rockton & Rion RR were started around 1889 or so. Some of the rail is light (60 lb) and old (perhaps original). The wall was part of a continuing effort by the RR to upgrade the line. It was about 2/3 of the way along when the line was shut down west of Rion Quarry. It was an apparently abrupt ending as there is a switch at the west end of the wall (about where the video begins) and a short stretch of track that had been laid. If finished it would have been 1+ mile.
RupeDaddy1959 3 years ago
Junky looking. I hope the SCDOT doesn't see this; or NS officials. It looks unsafe and needs a complete makeover.
mkl62 4 years ago
The last time I was there we stopped at the first quarry. How much of the line has been reopened since 2005? Also, is the clearance along the wall enough for full sized trains?
back10506 4 years ago
Trains still stop just west of Rion Quarry which is the first quarry. We have an application in for a grant request to rebuild about an additional mile of track heading west from Rion in 2008.
Trains will clear the wall except for one spot that is questionable. The wall will have to be rebuilt or modified in that one spot.
vegoru 4 years ago
Thanks, I'll be up there Sunday for a ride beind Flagg Coal #75. Will this train run all the way to the quarry like the regular trains do? Oh, one more thing. The last time I was there ACL #712 was still at the quarry. Is she still there too?
back10506 4 years ago
Fascinating! Did you have something to lift/push branches off the rails so you didn't derail.?
In China? Why/How owned by SCRM? What fun! Love it.
robertgift 4 years ago
Ah, yes "The Great Wall", I know it well. Every time we (read, the members of SCRM) rode over the washout, we made sure to say a quick prayer to the Iron Horse Gods (and Goddesses) that we didn't derail at that spot!
RobynWatts 5 years ago
The original RR was built to serve two granite quarries. It was only 12 miles long.
vegoru 5 years ago
Where is this railroad located/
Beardedone0 2 years ago
And I'm the one who moans about over zealous safety rules here in the UK. Facinating. I assume those are the original rails and ties? What was the original reason for building the railroad?
applecounty 5 years ago
i dont know much about railroads, but i do know that was one hell of a ride.
neolexington 5 years ago
There are new joint bars and bolts and 5 gage rods over that hole. The track is not going to move. In the next month or so, we will prop the low rail up and then start filling in the sink hole.
vegoru 5 years ago
You had me worried when that washout came into view.
NickelPlate759 5 years ago
good video
memomgirl 5 years ago