Michigan Date Nail Areas

Anything pertaining to railfanning in Michigan.
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kd_1014
Mike
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Michigan Date Nail Areas

Unread post by kd_1014 »

Post your places you have found date nails in the thread below.

GRE / CMRY track, '63 and '49 nails
Last edited by kd_1014 on Wed Apr 24, 2019 5:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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SD80MAC
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Re: Michigan Date Nail Areas

Unread post by SD80MAC »

So you're going to post, on a public forum, where you've been trespassing on and stealing from private property? Noted.
"Remember, 4 mph is a couple, 5's a collision!"
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kd_1014
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Re: Michigan Date Nail Areas

Unread post by kd_1014 »

SD80MAC wrote:So you're going to post, on a public forum, where you've been trespassing on and stealing from private property? Noted.
Uhh, this was on public property. These nails were thrown off to the side by the side of the road. I think you are mistaken.

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SD80MAC
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Re: Michigan Date Nail Areas

Unread post by SD80MAC »

Riiiiiight. :lol: :lol: :lol: :roll: :roll:
"Remember, 4 mph is a couple, 5's a collision!"
http://flickriver.com/photos/conrail680 ... teresting/
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chapmaja
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Re: Michigan Date Nail Areas

Unread post by chapmaja »

when I was young (about 35 or so years ago, so the statute of limitations has long since expired), we got some out of the ties in Ferry Yard, with the help of the AA crew. Also picked some up from the tracks in Osmer, and likely other areas around the state. I think we got one or two in Cheboygan as well.

This was all back when young railfans would be greeted by the train crews and the yard crews.

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gbw
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Re: Michigan Date Nail Areas

Unread post by gbw »

Have never found one,or seen one in a tie.
I always like to look at the old ties when on a rail-trail.
where exactly on the tie should I be looking?
Thanks

PatAzo
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Re: Michigan Date Nail Areas

Unread post by PatAzo »

gbw wrote:Have never found one,or seen one in a tie.
I always like to look at the old ties when on a rail-trail.
where exactly on the tie should I be looking?
Thanks
A big nail with a number formed in the head. Do a search for railroad date nails and you'll see what they look like. They are few and far between now days.

If you find one put it in your pocket and take it home.

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gbw
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Re: Michigan Date Nail Areas

Unread post by gbw »

I have seen the nails for sale at swap meets.
Where would they most likely be in a tie?
Should I be looking on the end, or in the top facing up?
thanks

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MP73point4
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Re: Michigan Date Nail Areas

Unread post by MP73point4 »

Date nails were typically on the top of the ties centered between the rails but, I have seen them outside the rails too. They wouldn't be on the ends since you wouldn't be able to see them under the ballast.
I don't know if they've been used since the 60's (50+ years ago!). I suspect you'd have a hard time finding any except in old sidings, abandon track, or piles of ties removed from service. Flea markets may be your best bet although verifying where they came from would be a challenge.
RR Pass Collector

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