So- here's the flip side. We are using 33, as most of you know. This rail size is not asce- as such it is, as far as we know unique. Once we use the last stick it's gone. That's ok except that we have to maintain what we have.
We currently have 7 conventional switches and one 3-way which require this rail size. I'd like to be left with no less than 10 spare pieces to replace broken rails, make replacement points and frogs, etc. 10 may seem high, but forever is a long time...
I see the point on heavy rail on the woods track- but even as a loading track, we won't be in there that much. The bay 2 shop lead was laid with 25 lb rail some 20 years ago- it's not all that bad off.
We have lots of 25 lb rail with no place to go. We're running out of 33.
The worst axle loading the WW&F has ever seen is our 52. Heavier than no 6. 52 trundles over the bay 2 lead regularly, far more than it will likely be on the woods track.
All that said, Zack and others expressed some concern over using 25 lb rail on the woods track over work weekend. I was busy and didn't take time to think through the pros and cons. I have now and laid them out above. I'll bring this back up with Zack and further opinions are certainly welcome here. It may well end up 33- I won't go home crying!
Thanks,
Jason
Edit: no 7 had a heavier axle loading. 8 tons. Oops- and we're going to build one! Opinion still pretty much the same on the woods track. But I'm not that dug in on the subject. Just want some spare 33 lb sticks when all is said and done.