The break started as a lengthwise crack along the base of the rail, which then moved up to the rail head and snapped off as it was being spiked. The rusty inside surface of the lower part of the break shows the defect had been there undetected for some time but suddenly failed as it came under stress; this was one of the outside rails on the curve north of the bridge so it was under tension. I was standing a few feet away when it happened and didn't notice the break until it was pointed out to me, but Bill P. said he heard a popping or pinging sound. Upon inspection, the lengthwise crack appeared to extend some distance beyond the break, so the decision was made by Jason and Dana to cut out the whole north half of the stick and replace it with a new piece cut to fit. Unfortunately, the work train with engine 52 was north of the break so it couldn't move, so No. 9 had to bring flat car 205 with some extra sticks of rail down from Top of the Mountain - which happily required crossing the bridge!
And here is a photo of the mill marks on the rail: "Illinois Steel Co. Joliet Works 1889".
(I suspect the VI after the year means June.)
-Philip Marshall
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/15/2019 03:24PM by philip.marshall.