Légende
This illustration dates to the 1870s and shows train rails and cramp-gauge. The roadway itself when the rails are laid down is called the permanent way, formed first of ballast, which is a layer of gravel, stone, or other carefully chosen material, about 2 ft. deep, spread over the roadway. Above the ballast and partly embedded in it are placed the sleepers, which is the name given to the pieces of timber on which the rails rest. These timbers are usually placed transversely, that is, across the direction of the rails, in the manner shown here. This figure also represents the form of rails most commonly adopted, and exhibits the mode in which they are fastened down to the sleepers by means of the iron chairs, b c, the rail being firmly held in its place by an oak wedge, d. These wedges are driven in while the rails are maintained at precisely the required distance apart by the implement, e f, called a cramp gauge, the chairs having previously been securely attached to the sleepers by bolts or nails. The double ‚üô form of rail has several important advantages, such as its capability of being reversed when the upper surface is worn out, and the readiness with which the ends of the rails can be joined by means of fish-plates.
Crédit
Photo12/Universal Images Group/Ivy Close Images
Notre référence
UMG25A05_348
Licence
Droits gérés
Format disponible
40,1Mo (2,0Mo) / 43,2cm x 23,3cm / 5100 x 2748 (300dpi)