In the 1940s and 1950s, what were all the components of track, specifically on the Western Maryland? I know ties, spikes, tie plates, rail, fish plates/joint bars and bolts, but were there other things like gauge bars, compression clips, and rail anchors, or are these only used on modern track? Also, what size rail and ties did the WM use then, and did they use 4 or 6 hole fish plates?
go to the dot library special collections web site and look under icc reports on railway accidents. just surf through the appropriate years and you will find track construction descriptions in many of them.
grizlump
I'll try that later, thanks!
santafe347 In the 1940s and 1950s, what were all the components of track, specifically on the Western Maryland? I know ties, spikes, tie plates, rail, fish plates/joint bars and bolts, but were there other things like gauge bars, compression clips, and rail anchors, or are these only used on modern track? Also, what size rail and ties did the WM use then, and did they use 4 or 6 hole fish plates?
Guage rods, rail anchors yes, compression clips probably no.
They probably used both 4 and 6 hole angle bars, depending on the rail size, which in the 1940's-1950's would have varied from 60-65 lb in old yards and spurs to 136 lb on main tracks.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
dehusman santafe347 In the 1940s and 1950s, what were all the components of track, specifically on the Western Maryland? I know ties, spikes, tie plates, rail, fish plates/joint bars and bolts, but were there other things like gauge bars, compression clips, and rail anchors, or are these only used on modern track? Also, what size rail and ties did the WM use then, and did they use 4 or 6 hole fish plates? Guage rods, rail anchors yes, compression clips probably no. They probably used both 4 and 6 hole angle bars, depending on the rail size, which in the 1940's-1950's would have varied from 60-65 lb in old yards and spurs to 136 lb on main tracks.
Thank you. I figured most of that but wanted to be sure. How far apart would the gauge rods be spaced, and would the rail anchors be on every tie?
santafe347Thank you. I figured most of that but wanted to be sure. How far apart would the gauge rods be spaced, and would the rail anchors be on every tie?
Guage rods are usually only used on really poor track and only as much as needed. Rail anchors vary in how they are applied and generally mostly on CWR. They are applied closer near bridges and switches.
Modern usage, rail anchors every tie CWR, every other tie jointed rail. Every tie for 100-200 ft both sides of every switch, bridge or crossing. They aren't used on concrete ties (shouldn't be a problem in your era.)
Suggest you contact the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society, or check out their website for specific answers to your question. RetGM....
Perhaps this data from 1948 New York Central will help. Notice you'll need 25,992 spikes and 2,710 rail anchors per mile of track.
I believe there is also a formula that engineers used for rail anchors that increased the number of anchors as the percentage of grade increased. Note page 24 says "dependent upon local conditions."
Perhapsthis will be of interest...
From my 1948 NYC Plans and Data for Field Use.
Sorry about the order and layout of these pics. I can't get the proper handle in this small window. Hope these are of some use. I believe I have a similar book on B&O track data.
gmpullman Perhaps this data from 1948 New York Central will help. Notice you'll need 25,992 spikes and 2,710 rail anchors per mile of track. I believe there is also a formula that engineers used for rail anchors that increased the number of anchors as the percentage of grade increased. Note page 24 says "dependent upon local conditions." Perhapsthis will be of interest... From my 1948 NYC Plans and Data for Field Use. Sorry about the order and layout of these pics. I can't get the proper handle in this small window. Hope these are of some use. I believe I have a similar book on B&O track data.
I tried on that site with PRR plans, if you know which one, but despite PRR being the "Standard Railroad of the World," it was anything but standard so I can't really go off of them. The NYC was pretty "normal" so those help, thanks.