What was the length of the rails used on the prototype railways in the 50’s and 60’s. I would like to add a pile of rail on my layout. Waresy |
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The length of standard rail road rails (if we can use that term at all) has historically been somewhat related to the length of the cars used to transport them.
From an early range of 15-20 feet, rail length increased with car size until a standard of 39 feet (easily accommodated by the once-common 40-foot car) was reached.
Rail could be transported on flat cars with allowances for overhang fish plating or with rigid poles on the rider cars to allow for bending without becoming a wide impediment.
Where rail was being used by 1861 had little bearing on where it may have been manufactured. If better rail was affordable even if gotten at a distance (say in the North) or if it could be delivered via a seaport (from the North or from overseas) this was done. Even the B&O (a supposed Northern Railroad) reported that some of their original old strap rail was still in use during the War along secondary sidings and very much in yard tracks. There should be tons of engineering books from the late 1850’s period which give enlightenment as to panel rail lengths sitting on many dark and dusty library shelves. If you get some data which tend to indicate trends we’d like to know of it please.
Thank you Jeffrey, that’s exactly what I needed. Waresy |
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