nsTeam2RO, nsTeam2RW, nsTeam2_talkRO, nsTeam2_talkRW
13,254
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 6:
Line 6: + − +
→Rails: Add reversible rail picture
== Rails ==
== Rails ==
[[Image:Rail stack.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Flat-bottom rails showing their cross-sectional shape.]]
[[Image:Rail stack.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Flat-bottom rails showing their cross-sectional shape.]]
[[Image:Reversible rail.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A reversible rail now used as a post.]]
Rails are usually made of steel, and in cross-section are usually shaped roughly like the capital letter "I", except that the top part (the "head") is much thicker than the bottom part.
Rails are usually made of steel, and in cross-section are usually shaped roughly like the capital letter "I", except that the top part (the "head") is much thicker than the bottom part.
These rails are known as ''flat-bottom'' rails.
These rails are known as ''flat-bottom'' rails.
Another type of rail is symmetrical in cross-section, or nearly so, with two "heads".
Another type of rail is symmetrical in cross-section, or nearly so, with two "heads".
Originally, this was to allow the rail to be turned over and used again, but deterioration where the bottom "head" sat on the sleeper plate put an end to this practice.
Originally, this "reversible" rail was to allow the rail to be turned over and used again, but deterioration where the bottom "head" sat on the sleeper plate put an end to this practice.
However, similar rails, known as ''bullhead'' rails, continued to be made and used, mainly in Britain, which used the same fittings as the reversible rails.
However, similar rails, known as ''bullhead'' rails, continued to be made and used, mainly in Britain, which used the same fittings as the reversible rails.