Many years ago, most all rail was in 39 foot sections. That what fit on 40 foot flat or gons. The weight was figured to how much a yard weighed. If one yard weighed 110 pounds, it was 110 pound rail.

The one problem with 39 foot sections was the side to side roll at 15 mph. You either had to go 10 mph or 20 plus through sidings, yard tracks, etc.

SP had their rail plant over in Tracy where they would cut off rail ends and weld used rail in 1/4 mile sections. The rail was relaid with the old inside, on the outside giving it a new life as ribbon rail. The Tracy plant knew where the rail came from down to the mile post. They figured wear, etc and knew where it should be placed back out in the field. With new, heavier rail they still welded each stick together and it was sent out to where they were up grading curves and main lines.

Im sure there is someone else on here that can give more of an insight.


Nudge