A Technical Series

by Darren Maine

The Museum Society's mission is the historical preservation of railroad heritage, this series of articles -- Makin' Tracks will highlight the technical aspects of trackwork construction n and maintenance. Makin' Tracks will also feature historically significant railroad systems throughout the world which bring to light the innovative solutions that the railroad builders used when rail was kin

We are proposing a series of workshops on trackwork maintenance and construction which will be geared toward the small independent rail heritage museums. Makin' Tracks should ultimately serve as a thumbnail sketch of what these workshops will feature, providing interesting, practical and sometimes even amusing features of this fascinating facet of railroad engineering and technology. I will also be featuring articles on the development and evolution of motive power and cars specifically with regard to their influence on the performance and development of the track systems.

In future issues we will answer the following:

1. What is the most important track structure element in ensuring low maintenance and high quality trackwork? In case you guessed rail, well...you will be in for a very enlightening and interesting journey into the importance of something you seldom see once the rail is laid.

2. What is the difference between an ARA and an AREA section rail? What about the difference between light and heavy rail?

3. What is track geometry and why is it important? What is the difference between the track geometry and structure of a Class 3 track and a Class 5 track?

4. What is standard gauge trackwork and when is the gauge not necessarily 4'8-1/2"?

5. How do you design and lay out trackwork in the field?

You and Your Trackwork...Getting to Know Each Other Better:

We will cover the definitions and components of trackwork, as well as a list additional reference material.

Getting From Here to There...Railroad Routing and Corridor Design:

Routing, preliminary surveys and the alignments, profiles, and pusher grades which must be considered by railroad builders. In 4 installments we'll look at the technical aspects of route selection, and then highlight Andrew McCullough's Kettle Valley Railroad in BC, Daniel Fox's Sao Paulo Railway in Brazil and Henry Meiggs' Peruvian Central Railway.

Track Geometry and Classification:

3 installments discussing the Federal Railroads Administration's Track Geometry rules and Track Classification system. As well we'll examine fine tuning trackwork surface and alignment, and how the trackwork itself contributes to its long term ease and running quality.

Bring Out the Bad Boys...Trackwork, Geometry and Heavy Motive Power and Cars:

In 4 installments we'll talk about heavy motive and cars and their impact on trackwork design, analysis and maintenance. One installment each will be dedicated to the discussion of heavy steam, diesel and electric motive power for freight and passenger service and the final installment will feature the higher, heavier and longer freight cars and their impact on trackwork, tunnels and structures.

 Language of Trackwork | References