Track hardware

[Ballantrae Road]

So I was walking along a track recently and came across these discarded pieces. As I walked along I noticed they were just slipped on the bottom flange of the rail, 2 on either side of every 4th tie. Now they weren't spiked down just buried in the ballast. My question . What are these called and what exactly are they supposed to do?  These were along a CN line. Just curious.

 

Thanks,

 

Tom

[dehusman]

Rail Anchor.

They prevent the rail from expanding linearly and force it to expand vertically, preventing "sun kinks".

[cacole]

 They are Rail Anchors.  Their purpose is to prevent the rail from shifting sideways on a wooden crosstie and wearing a groove into the wood, thus preventing premature wear of the tie.

Here's information about rail anchors from the manufacturer's web site:

http://www.unitrail.com/

 

[Ballantrae Road]

Thanks for the speedy replies. I knew someone would have the answer, I just didn't think it would be that fast. Thanks all.

[IVRW]

Kinda look to me like the things that go along with concrete ties.

[dknelson]

The rail anchor is to be applied tightly against the wood tie.  You can see a slight lip that engages the far side base of the rail.   When tracks are bi-directional (such as where CTC is used, or any single track main) it is common to see rail anchors tight on both sides of a tie.  You will see this also near grade or rail crossings, but in other circumstances they might be seen only on one side of a tie where the track is truly single-direction such as the traditional two track main, so that the rail is in essence being pushed against the tie and the anchor keeps the tie from shifting.  There is a certain spring like tension to the anchor so it takes a special tool to install (and remove).

There is a different kind that you also sometimes see along the rails that goes entirely under the tie and also anchors the other side -- sort of a squiggly U shape.  Those are more spring like.

A valuable resource for model railroaders is the Simmons Boardman Track Cyclopedia.  It is aimed at actual railroads and railroaders but contains a wealth of information -- sometimes seen at model train swap meets although not as often as their Car and Locomotive Cyclopedias.    I was also able to pick up a very old Railway Engineering & Maintenance Cyclopedia when my cousin downsized his book collection.   Anyone with an interest in roadbed, track and other engineering issues would benefit from books like these as these are not topics the enthusiast press tends to give much attention to.

Dave Nelson

[WSOR 3801]

 Rail anchors in use.

Also note the fancy tie plates with the extra hole in them.

[wedudler]

 I've got mine from the PROTO:87 store. You can see this detial at the right turnout..

 

Wolfgang