Hi Anthony,
Thanks for the leads on ties and rails. For ties, we have found a nearly limitless and affordable solution by re-purposing pressure treated roadway guardrail posts. These work really well for us.
Rail is a different matter. New and used 60# rail is available from a number of suppliers (including Kimes.) However, the cost, plus shipping, is a bit above our current budget. Instead, we are looking for sources where the cost, plus shipping, provides an economical alternative to known new/used suppliers. For example, the rails being laid down the Mountain Extension were sold at or below scrap value, and the quantity made shipping from Wisconsin to Maine viable. We would certainly consider such purchases in the future, should the opportunity arise.
That said, Benjamin is correct in that we have no *current* plans to extend the rails southward from Sheepscot Station. We do our planning in 5-year increments, and we are in the middle of that cycle - with the goal of bringing train service to Route 218/Trout Brook Preserve in 2021. Once we have that goal completed, we will certainly be considering further railroad expansion. Crossing Cross Road would provide several operational advantages, even if the ride itself were not extended initially.
