For stupid questions topics

[Anonymous]

What is the diamond shaped track in the middle of the main track usually when the main track passes over trestles, bridges, etc, Is it some kind of support or what?

[tree68]

It's called a guard rail. It's intended to keep derailed cars (at least the ones that stay upright) in/on the structure in question.

[Modelcar]

...And perhaps helps to keep the derailed car from slamming into the bridge destroying it's integrity allowing it to fail.

[Mookie]

Really! I didn't know this existed! Don't see too many bridges and trestles, so is this right in the center of the rails? I know - Goggle it - but I don't know what to ask.....

[tree68]

Not a good representation, but an attempt nonetheless.

_________________________________ Rail
___________________________
/ \ -> Guardrail
\___________________________/
__________________________________ Rail

[Mookie]

I will have to find a bridge! I think all our bridges are now bike paths!

Thanx Tree!

[enr2099]

Here's a photo of a bridge with guard rails. This is the Cowichan River Bridge on the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway in Duncan, BC. The bridge was built in 1909 replacing a wooden Howe Truss bridge.

http://www.brian894x4.com/images/E_NDuncanbridge03.jpg

[Modelcar]

Jen....Just ask to go to "railroad bridges" in Google and sort through the photos and look for a view showing the track...It will have what looks like a 2 ft. gauge track between the rails of the railroad and those rails come to a point where they begin and end....

[Mookie]

How interesting! I am afraid of heights, so bridges were never in my exploration and now they are mostly - like I said - bike paths. I will go Google and see what they have.

Thanx!

[cherokee woman]

Learn something new every day around here. Thanks Mookie and guys!!

[mudchicken]

The pointed ends you see on many bridge guardrails are made from old scrap frogs that were milled and put together without manganese inserts. They are usually not placed on bridges unless the steel sides of the bridge rise above the ties AND the bridge is more than X feet above the bottom of the ravine or body of water the bridge is crossing. X on Santa Fe was 16 feet, on UP 14 feet, on SP 20 feet and DRGW was 12 feet.