Rail

[dstill]

I have question about the rail itself. I know they are in class 136, 132 etc. I suppose the class limit the length and tonnage or type rail activity a railroad may run?

[thirdrail1]

Danny, the number you are referring to is the weight of the rail in pounds per yard. In other works, a three foot section of 136 lb. rail would weigh exactly that. Most main lines these days are laid with rail somewhere between 130 and 136 lbs. per yard. The heaviest rail in general use was 155 lb. rail on the old PRR. 115 lb. rail is also quite common on secondary mains. In countries on the metric system, rail is classified by kilogram per meter. The heavier the rail, the less it will flex under heavy load, but ties and ballast are just as important in maintaining good track on "heavy haul" railroads.

[Anonymous]

Danny,
Rall is classified in 'pounds'. This is a measurement of how much the rail actually weighs per yard of rail. So, 132 pound rail weighs 132 pounds per foot. And, yes, you are correct in your assumption that the weight of the rail depends on the type of traffic. Light rail, or trolley operations can have 70 pound rail, wich is very, very small. (the lightet i'd ever seen was a strech of 60 lb rail in a trolley museum)Mainlines are usually more along the lines of 150+ depending on useage. Generally the greater the traffic, weight of the traffic and the higher the speed, the heavier the rail. Next time you go trackside, take a look at the rail, something most of us don't do. You can physically see the difference between the sizes or rail. Also, the rail may have its weight given on it, as well as its maker and date of manufacture. I know of several locations in Boston that have 90-100 lb rail made in 1922 in active service! Happy, safe railfaning,
respectfully,
Greg from Boston

[Anonymous]

Danny,
as Gregg posted a reply at the same time I had, it made my want to clarify my answer. When referring to 150+ lb rail, I was referring to the heaviest mainline, as Gregg more accuratly noted. That was to contrast with the 70lb rail of the light rail service. Hope I didn't confuse you,
Greg from Boston

[Anonymous]

Funny thing all steel other than rail is sold in pounds per foot, only rail is sold in pounds per yard.

Greg from Oklahoma (how many Gregs do we have on this board?)
http://photosbygreg.20m.com

[REDDYK]

BEING A RAILFAN AND A CIVIL WAR BUFF AS WELL, ONE OF THE NEATEST THINGS I HAVE EVER SEEN WAS AT THE CASEY JONES MUSEUM AT VAUGHAN, MISS. IN THE BACK ROOM THEY HAVE AN EXAMPLE OF A GEN. SHERMAN NECKTIE. FOR THOSE WHO MIGHT NOT KNOW, THAT IS A RAIL THAT HAS BEEN HEATED IN A FIRE THEN BENT SO AS TO RENDER IT UNUSABLE. I WAS AMAZED AT HOW LIGHT THAT 1864 RAIL APPEARED. I NEVER EXPECTED TO SEE ONE OF THOSE IN MY LIFETIME.

[thirdrail1]

A note of forum "etiquette", the use of all capital letters is considered the same as shouting at the top of your lungs in normal conversation. Reserve capitals for strong emphasis. By the way, if you travel the old highway between Atlanta and Savannah, not the Interstate, you don't need a museum to see "Sherman's neckties" - there are still trees with rails sticking out of them.