Old Shortline Construction Methods

[Hobosghost61]

Looking for some help/advice on shortline bridge and trestle construction and repair methods in the 1870's-80's. Writing a short novel and trying to get the facts right for the story.
Any help would be appreciated, I can forward a few specific questions to anyone willing to share some knowledge.
Thanks!

 

[bcp]

There are lots of photos of the building of the transcontinental railroad. Methods, tools, and materials would be the same.

Bruce

 

[Hobosghost61]

Thanks Bruce. I read "Nothing Like It In The World" several years ago and I'll look up some other books. The important angle I'm trying to feel out is the timeline. The transcontinental railroad construction was all about time and had a lot of resources and lots of manpower. I'm trying to figure an accurate timeline on how long a small shortline with limited resources would have needed for a bridge rebuild.
You're right, though - the methods, tools and material would be the same.

 

[Bret_D]

Type "rail construction" into the search box on Project Gutenberg. I have read a number of novels that mention methods and timelines. Although not necessarily factual, it may give you some idea. There are also technical writings that should be more accurate, yet dry reading.

I have used numerous items for source material on Project Gutenberg for my writing.

Most recently, I read The U. P. Trail, by Zane Grey. It was quite entertaining.

 

[Hobosghost61]

Wow thanks, Bret. And I haven't heard Zane Grey mentioned in a long long time. My dad kept two books on his bed stand - "Riders of the Purple Sage" by Zane Grey, and "Endurance" by Ernest Shackleton