A Hidden Gem: Date Nails on Railroad Ties

Here is a little trivia from the full-scale railroads. This was found on a tourist line while the track inspectors were clearing leaves recently. For those who don’t know, it is a date nail showing when the tie was installed. There are collectors who have hundreds of these for many different years. The practice was stopped many years ago because railroads don’t replace ties on age but on their condition. The modelers at Rockledge Model Railroad Museum strive for authenticity. On your next visit see if you can find any date nails in their ties.