Unusual (?) question for Englishlanguage natives

[samplaire]

Hi,
I'm preparing a bridge track and it will be released in several ways. One of the differences will be a thing I don't know the English word for it. These are the rails between the real rails which protect a train from derailment. How do you call it in English? Thanks in advance :wave:

 

[fran1]

I'm tempted to to go for Guide rails.
Guard rail, just found it.

 

[mattm]

I could be wrong (I so often am:hehe:) but I was of the inpression they were called either guard rails, or check rails.

I am, as ever, open to correction.

Cheers,

Matt.

 

[Stationbeem]

I'm tempted to say frogs ..but then I could also be wrong.

 

[ZecMurphy]

Another option is 'check rails'. 'Guide rails' is another...

Unfortunately, there's a few different naming options available.

What I would suggest is choose one that you like, then enter other versions into the 'category-keywords' tag. That way anyone using the content filter will have a better chance of finding it.

 

[aardvark1]

Guard rail (US) Check rail (UK): A double rail section of track, sometimes found in train yards and on bridges to prevent derailments or limit damage caused by derailments , by having rail on both sides of the wheel flange. Also found on curves with a tight radius and switches and crossings[

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_rail_terminology

So, looks like in the USA it is called ...Guard Rail.

In the UK it is called ..... check rail.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

 

[samplaire]

Thank you :wave: Guide rails will be my choice (no reason though, perhaps best sounding?)

EDIT
@ aardvark1- you answered my question right before me. You convinced me. Check rail will be used in the assets due to the UK proximity. Thank you!

 

[mattm]

Glad we could be of help Sam.

I'm tempted to say frogs ..but then I could also be wrong.

Stationbeem, that is wrong.

Wikipedia defines frogs as being amphibians in the order Anura (meaning "tail-less", from Greek an-, without + oura, tail), formerly referred to as Salientia (Latin salere (salio), "to jump"). Most frogs are characterized by a short body, webbed digits (fingers or toes), protruding eyes and the absence of a tail.

As you can see, they are animals, and therefore have nothing to do with railways at all, except in the 'curious youngster putting them in front of a train to see what happens' kind of way.:hehe:

Just kidding.

A frog is that point of the turnout where two rails cross each other.

Matt.

 

[martinvk]

Is it just a coincidence that the two share the same name or is there some hidden commonality?

 

[mattm]

Is it just a coincidence that the two share the same name or is there some hidden commonality?

Actually, there is a reason. Also from wikipedia:
This term "frog" is taken from shape of the device resembling a leaping frog with legs extended forward and to the rear of the body.

Matt.

 

[bl4882]

I've read - can't remember where - that the application of "frog" to the component of a railroad turnout was inspired indirectly. In very early railroading this term came into use because of the similarity to a structure on a horse's hoof, which looks a lot like a frog.

Remember that early in railroading prople were a lot more familiar with horse's hooves.

But, who knows. Both stories are equally satisfying to me. Just thought I would toss it in to spark an argument. :hehe:

Bernie

 

[wreeder]

Here's an idea.

Frog is also British slang for a person of French descent.
The Brits invented railroads. Just ask them.
The frog of the turnout is the most troublesome area of trackwork.

Therefore, it makes sense that the Brits would honor the French by naming it after them.:hehe:

William

 

[HiBaller]

Here's an idea.

Frog is also British slang for a person of French descent.
The Brits invented railroads. Just ask them.
The frog of the turnout is the most troublesome area of trackwork.

Therefore, it makes sense that the Brits would honor the French by naming it after them.:hehe:

William

I vote for this one. LOL.

Bill

 

[baz66]

Mr Barton, the first aussie prime minister was examining parts of the new western railway when he noticed the turnouts. "what are those things next to the track" He enquired. A worker replied "sir, They protect the wheel as it crosses the gap. They are called toads"
"I don't like that name" said Mr barton. "Let's call them frogs instead"
baz

 

[cascaderailroad]

The Railway Frog was first invented by the Fwenchman Pierre Froglighege':hehe:

 

[samplaire]

Mr Barton, the first aussie prime minister was examining parts of the new western railway when he noticed the turnouts. "what are those things next to the track" He enquired. A worker replied "sir, They protect the wheel as it crosses the gap. They are called toads"
"I don't like that name" said Mr barton. "Let's call them frogs instead"
baz

I like it!

I just asked for the name of a rusty piece of metal :hehe:

- a little frog - we in Poland call the following wrench with this name: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Adjustable_wrench_2.jpg

Perhaps this is because of the shape somebody mentioned above (the thing related to horses)?

- a French wrench (also called just 'a French') - this is our name for the following tool: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...Klucz_francuski.JPG/220px-Klucz_francuski.JPG

I have no clue why.

 

[colourlight]

Hi,
I'm preparing a bridge track and it will be released in several ways. One of the differences will be a thing I don't know the English word for it. These are the rails between the real rails which protect a train from derailment. How do you call it in English? Thanks in advance :wave:

The correct term in the UK is "check rail" Also found on sharp curves and point switches.

 

[aardvark1]

The correct term in the UK is "check rail" Also found on sharp curves and point switches.

Please read post number 7.

Regards,