Length of a rail in 1865???

[whecsailorjr]

Hi all. I can't seem to find a definitive answer on the net. I know the CPRR started off using 60lb rail, but low long were these initial rails and am I correct in saying they were an 8 man carry with no tools, just bare hands (4 at front and 4 at back)?

Thank you
Mike d

 

[Pencil42]

Generally sized to fit on a flat car - 24 - 30 feet, typically.

This page mentions finding an original rail; 25' long: http://cprr.org/Museum/FAQs.html[ur...he general case was. Hope this helps, Curtis