Re: D&RGrail profile

hank Wrote:
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> Well, they started with 30 lb (cast) iron rail in
> 1871, some was still around, as relay, for many a
> year. On rail charts I've seen this and also 30 lb
> wrought iron.

Cast iron? That's extremely novel and peaks my interest. Does the source list anything more specific?

In general cast rails were regarded as outdated by the 1840's. Rolled rails were invariably of wrought (or puddled) iron prior to the adoption of steel. Seeing cast rails appearing in new construction as late as 1870 would've been highly unusual. Cast iron rails were notoriously brittle and could not be made except in short lengths.

The 1870's represented the transition period from iron to steel. That's why you see the iron rails being used initially, but steel having replaced it in new construction by 1880. 40 pound per yard steel rail would've been sufficient for absolutely any of the narrow gauge power the D&RG purchased during the 19th century. 35 pound rails would've also been adequate, for that matter, with the 40 pound rails lasting longer. The K-27's would've liked 60 pound rail although they could have managed on down to about 50 pound rail if they really had to. 45 pound rail would've been pushing it.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 02/19/2019 02:34PM by James.