11-18-2009, 01:55 PM
A pier, capable of supporting "rail traffic" would be first and foremost, built more like a pile trestle, wide enough for the rails, and rolling stock, and the attending machinery/vehicles, needed to move cargo from the train to awaiting ships.
The decking, would be heavy enough to support the "machinery/vehicles" + the weight of the cargo they carry, across its entire width. I would think a minimum 3" thick by up to 12" wide would suffice. The decking would have to be laid on stringers of the correct height to level the deck with the railhead.
The loco in Puddlejumper's avatar, was a B&O "dockside" 0-4-0.
Idler flats were more commonly used for loading freight cars on barges, to keep the weight of the loco off the barge, and or the movable apron, that was lowered, and secured to the car barge.
The pier could also be prestressed concrete, in more recent (late 40's on) years.
The decking, would be heavy enough to support the "machinery/vehicles" + the weight of the cargo they carry, across its entire width. I would think a minimum 3" thick by up to 12" wide would suffice. The decking would have to be laid on stringers of the correct height to level the deck with the railhead.
The loco in Puddlejumper's avatar, was a B&O "dockside" 0-4-0.
Idler flats were more commonly used for loading freight cars on barges, to keep the weight of the loco off the barge, and or the movable apron, that was lowered, and secured to the car barge.
The pier could also be prestressed concrete, in more recent (late 40's on) years.
We always learn far more from our own mistakes, than we will ever learn from another's advice.
The greatest place to live life, is on the sharp leading edge of a learning curve.
Lead me not into temptation.....I can find it myself!
The greatest place to live life, is on the sharp leading edge of a learning curve.
Lead me not into temptation.....I can find it myself!