242 



RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION. 



making extensions of the system 65-lb. rails have been adopted. 

 Indeed, when taking into consideration the weight of most of 

 the narrow-gauge engines, generally from 24 to 28 tons in 

 working order, and their short wheel-base, it would appear that 

 a 65-lb. rail is the minimum which should be used both for 

 stability and economy in maintenance. 



The summaries are prepared from examples in actual use, 

 and represent the number and weight of sleepers, chairs, and 

 fastenings in each instance. Even with the same weight of 

 rail, the practice differs on various lines as to the weights of the 

 chairs and fastenings ; and the selections have been made to show 

 a fair average. On some railways the chairs are secured partly 

 by tree-nails and partly by spikes, or crab bolts ; on others only 

 spikes are used. The prices put down are the estimated values 

 of the materials delivered into the Permanent Way Stores of 

 our own home railways, and are exclusive of all costs of freight, 

 carriage, or distribution to the site of laying down. The prices 

 are only comparative, and fluctuate up or down according to the 

 current value of the raw materials from which the various items 

 are manufactured. Lighter rails and smaller fastenings cost 

 more per tou than those of a heavier type, as they involve more 

 labour and workmanship. 



STEEL BULL-HEAD RAILS (90 LBS. PER YARD). 

 Estimated Cost of Materials for One Mile of Single Line. 



