Randy, according to a book(History ofJefferson Co.,Tx.) written by W.T. Block,Jr. the section of the Texas and New orleans railrod between Beaumont and Orange was never used due to rails being torn up and sent up to Shreveport. But it doen't mention what type of rails. W.T Block,Jr. writes that his source of this was obtained from an interview with a railroad historian by the last name of Reed. Reed had written a book named,"History of Texas Railroads", and on pg.85 he wrote about this section of railroad. According to Reed this section was to be repaired but due to later raids made into that area by union troops it was never done. But I later read,from a different source(can't remember where) that this section was reviewed and rails were still there but in need of lots of repair. So,I guess which ever we want to believe is correct.:) Myself, being Block was histoian for mainly Jefferson County area. I think I would go with him. JMPO