There is a piece of rail driven into the ground at one of my railroading spots. I would like to determine its approxiamte age. Does anyone have the standards to show rail sizes. The height from base to head should be enough. This is tiny I would guess 50 or 60 lb rail. I have the dimensions for 90lb. and above. Thanks. Eric Corse

-- Eric Corse (acleric@mindspring.com), January 08, 2002

Answers

Eric-if indeed it is in the range of 50-60 lbs-56 lb rail was a common size in the 1870s-1890's. The web of the rail may not have the weight information as this became a common practice later than the probable date of the rail. Web dating became common after 1880 or so. If the spot is in a large city or near an old industry, the rail may be from a horse car system or a plant rail or tram way. In either event, it is probably around 120 years old or so and should be treated with respect due to its age! Take a picture and try to post it!

-- Mike Savchak (Savchak@mnr.org), January 09, 2002.

Sometimes the weight of the rail is cast into the web of the rail (between the head and the base). I have seen this on occasion, but I'm not certain it is a universal practice.

Bob Hanson

-- Robert H. Hanson (RHanson669@aol.com), January 08, 2002.

Eric

There is a rail section table in the catalog section at http://www.harmersteel.com. If you have any problems locating the table contact me directly and I will send you a copy of the table by e-mail attachment.

Joe Bartolini West Columbia, SC

-- Joe Bartolini (jbart@sc.rr.com), January 08, 2002.