Bridge Rails

[krystalg]

In recent days my wife and I have been watching rail DVD's and we have noticed that at many of the bridge crossings there are inner rails which look to be about 4 inches set in from the rails that the trains run on can anone tell us why these are there and wot purpose they serve on bridge crossing. Dingo.

 

[Johnk]

They're called "check rails" and they're there to stop the train from going to far to the side if it derails. They're also found on sharp curves and points. It's a safety measure.

 

[bl4882]

Hi,

These are variously referred to as guard rails, check rails, guide rails, and other names. Their purpose is to prevent a car that derails from skewing and colliding with and damaging the bridge structure. The hope is that the inner surface of the wheels of the derailed truck will bear against the guard rail and not skew outwards. They are also used in other places where the train is in close quarters with important structures.

You can find them on the DLS.

Bernie

Sorry for the redundancy. JohnK posted his while I was writing.

 

[bendorsey]

They work too. Over the years there have been two hopper car derailments (I saw the aftermath of both) on the local bridge. Both times the guard rails kept the cars on the bridge rather then falling off into the water. Slighty hard on the ties tho (flanges are sharp).

Ben

 

[krystalg]

Sorry for me late reply guys I'm still not up to par after my heart attack and gall bladder op but I'm slowly getting there. Thanks for U'r help with this info I will let my wife know as she is very interested in these rails, don't ask me Y how can U explain wot women are thinking (no offence to all the ladies out there).