Slight problem with that statement.
The Railway companies did have multihead drilling machines but they also had a lot of sleepers to drill and more money available to invest in such equipment.
Even then they still occaisionally had to hand drill the fastening holes.
At least we have progressed to using powertools capable of doing the job.
Have you ever tried drilling a hardwood sleeper let alone drilling the holes for a complete pointwork layout?

I just thought one of the rail companies would have an old drill/machine surplus to requirements.
Would this help?
http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/...patterns-15794

Old machines are just that - old. They leak both oil and fumes and are fierce to use for too long. Dont forget the ear covers and make sure your back is in best shape before attempting this manouver. As for points - its always best to watch someone else do it!!

I have been looking around at advertisements for railway sleepers, not that I want any, but it was out of interest. The ones I have inheritated are a "pain in the wotsit" so I dont want any more.

But why are they so expensive ?

48111

I understand that new hard wood sleepers are £45 each. Then of course there is the cost of drill bits!

Our problem at Wirksworth is that our speed of relaying is now outstripping our supplyer's ability to source them form Network Rail!

Incidently we only drill three holes in each baseplate: two on the inside and one on the outside.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Wonder how much they cost and what delivery is like? Nothing and delivered tomorrow would be favourite!

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Well John, like I said, why are they so expensive ?

48111

No idea 48111. The ones we use are reclaimed from Network Rail and I think we pay about £12-15. That may include delivery, which is a not insignificant cost!

We sell our Garden Quality Sleepers for £5 - buyer collects.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Tell me about it! We have electric drills powered by a generator - we like soft wood sleepers and we will not be around when they need changing. Our successors will probably relay the whole line on concretes eventually!

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Ok mate, are you keeping ok ?

The ones I have got stacked in my garden are like I said somewhere else in this thread, old ones but still solid, the place where the fishplates were fixed can still be clearly seen.

But they are in my way, and they are so heavy,"bloomin eck" I cant lift one. I might have had a go twenty years ago but not now.

Anyway It looks like I am going to have to work round them, because I dont really want to get rid of them, they have obviously seen some railway service somewhere, and I bet they had some steam engines over them.

Silly old sod "aint I" :D

48111