TRACK. 



Cut rail at point distant from center of rail one-half inch 

 for each degree of central angle of curve, using short rail on 

 inner side of curve. For consecutive curves with short inter- 

 vening tangents, obtain the separate sums of right and left 

 central angles, subtract the lesser from the greater, and the 

 difference will be the required angle. Use short rail on inner 

 side of this angle. The length of the short rail must not be 

 less than 10 ft. 



"Short rails" may be used in inside line of rails in curves of 

 large central angle, in order to maintain position, of joints 

 near center of outer rail, and in such cases the above rule, 

 must be modified correspondingly. Notes for length of cut 

 or short rails will be furnished in advance by the engineer. 



Track centers will be furnished by the engineer every 200 ft. 

 on tangents, every 50 ft. on curves, and every 25 ft. on ease- 

 ment curves. The track must be laid to conform accurately to 

 the line established. 



To insure perfect alinement at rail ends, the rails should b 

 brought squarely together, the splices placed, and carefully 

 bolted before spiking. Perfect alinement at rail ends is of 

 great importance in order to prevent excessive flange wear. 



The position of the brand on the rail is immaterial, whether 

 right or left, inside or outside, but its position must be uni- 

 form with the contiguous rails, and the brand should not be 

 alternated on the same line of rails. 



When relaying track, a convenient method of unloading 

 rails from end of car is by means of two 30-ft. lines, equipped 

 with grab hooks on each end, one end to be made fast to joints 

 and the other end to slots in ends of rails, using the engine for 

 moving the cars. This insures proper spacing, and is more 

 economical than unloading from the sides. Use roller at end 

 of car when drawing off rail. 



EXPANSION. 



Proper allowance must be made for expansion, according to 

 temperature, as follows: 



Temp., Temp., Temp., 



o" 9 - *%* \ 8 - d 2 T- '- 



v 40 / o j 



