THE EVOLUTION OF THE AMERICAN RAIL

A review is presented of the development of the railway rail in America, including the change from iron to steel, the evolution of the modern American flat-bottom section, up to 152 lb. per yd. in weight, and present-day American rolling methods. Rail sections arranged in chronological order from the 5 ft. long, cast iron plate, used in 1767, to the 131 and 152 lb. rails introduced in 1930, are shown to trace the development of the American rail. Results are reported of a study to compare 100 lb. and 131 lb. rails as to maintenance costs and life, as affected by increasing weight loads. The heavier rails extended the life, not only of the rails, but also the sleepers and fishplates.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Authors:
  • Allen, C J
• Publication Date: 1941-12-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 581-584
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 75

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Economics; Fabrication; Fatigue (Mechanics); Maintenance of way; Railroad rails; Structural design; Technology
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Rail design
• Subject Areas: Economics; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037269
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM