Can I take old railroad cross ties?

[Sneaky]

I often see big piles of sorta ratty looking old railroad cross ties in piles along highways that have railroad tracks running parallel to them.

Does anyone know if the railroad companies (Union Pacific probably) would mind if folks were to take some? I can't find any relevant number to call to ask anyone, and when I called the local sheriff's office they told me it wasn't their property to be able to give me a yes or a no on.

I have some ranch projects that could totally use some, but the last thing I want to do is end up looking like a thief.

[Tequilazo]

Without permission = theft

[1369]

Years back I bought some from the railroad while setting up a job in Minnesota. IIRC (This was back in '94) I paid something like $1 a piece for them. It would be worth giving them a call.

[Texastaxi]

You can buy new ones, at McCoys for around $8 (last time I checked).

[animalhse]

That would get you in a little trouble without permission. They sell those as reclaimed railroad ties. It would probably get you in as much trouble as loading up gravel the county keeps in piles at times along the roadway.

[1369]

It would probably get you in as much trouble as loading up gravel the county keeps in piles at times along the roadway.

Seriously? But that stuff works the best in feeders!

[Todd-ty729]

You have my permission to take all of the old railroads crossties and gravel you want!

[Wood Man]

I've often wondered what happens to those piles if ties. I would say no you cannot just take them. Good luck finding a contact number.

[Giddings_TX]

You can buy the old ones from the railroad. Not sure what the contact process is. That Creosote is some nasty stuff though.

[DeadEyeB]

they cheap why risk it

[Digitalhunter]

I have watched UP guys come back later with their equipment and load them onto flat rail cars.

[LloydMcCoy]

You can buy the old ones from the railroad. Not sure what the contact process is. That Creosote is some nasty stuff though.

Cancerous too. Suit up fully if you gotta cut them.

[Sneaky]

Cancerous too. Suit up fully if you gotta cut them.

Good grief...really?

[Sneaky]

You have my permission to take all of the old railroads crossties and gravel you want!

Uh uh uhhhh Officer....it is YOU who are mistaken! ty729 from this TBH gave me his express consent to take as much as I wanted! How 'bout THEM apples, copper?!


*later that night, in jail...*

[Thumper]

Can I take old railroad cross ties?

Depends on how Sneaky you are.....