Track bolts are used to attach railway track rails to concrete anchors. They consist of a threaded bolt, nut, and lock washer to prevent loosening due to vibrations. Hardened steel is used to ensure strength and prevent rust. The bolt is inserted into the rail anchor through a mounting bracket and secured with a lock […]
Control rails are where glazing frames meet in a window. They consist of two parts and are important for weather sealing and safety. Concealed locks and weather strips can be used for aesthetic purposes and to seal gaps. Control rails are the portions of windows where the glazing frames meet. Typically, this is in the […]
Rail profiles describe the unique cross-sectional shapes of railway tracks, with examples including Barlow, Bullhead, and Vignoles. Modern tracks are standard rolled steel with a basic I-shape, and weight is identified in pounds per yard or kilograms per meter. The evolution of tracks has led to stronger and more durable designs, including the flanged T-beam […]
Railway switches allow trains to change tracks. They are activated by hand or electronically and most positions are blocked. A reflective marker indicates the direction of the switch and engineers are taught to verify it. Speed limits are reduced in switch areas and damaged switches are repaired or replaced. A railway switch is a device […]
Rail joints connect two pieces of rail on a railroad track, allowing for expansion and easy removal of track sections. They are still important in sensitive areas of the track and older tracks can be identified by the rhythmic clicking sound they make. A rail joint is a device that connects two pieces of rail […]
Rail cars are vehicles used for transporting cargo or passengers on a rail system. Passenger cars often have amenities like heating, air conditioning, and toilets, while freight cars transport raw materials and components. Military forces also use rail cars for transportation and defense. A rail car is a vehicle used to carry cargo or passengers […]
Power rails supply voltage to electronic devices on circuit boards. Different types of power rails exist, with varying voltage and current limits. Multiple power supplies may be needed for high-current loads. Balancing circuits ensure equal current distribution among rectifiers in a power system. A power rail is a voltage supply that supplies power to electrical […]
Guide rails are used to prevent people and vehicles from entering dangerous areas, and are required in public places with inclines of 30 inches or more. They can be made of various materials and must have closely spaced bars. Highway guide rails can cause controversy as they may deflect cars into traffic, so collapsible rails […]
Rail freight transport uses locomotives to haul numerous freight cars designed to secure goods or materials. Diesel locomotives are more efficient than steam locomotives and can be added to the front and rear to power all rail freight, especially with longer tracks that can weigh several hundred tons. Bulk freight cars are open-top freight cars […]
Light rail transportation is a public transportation system that uses lighter rail cars powered by electricity. It can transport more people than previous technology and can alleviate traffic congestion. It runs along highways and can be accessible for people with disabilities. Light rail transportation (LRT) is a type of public transportation system that uses rail […]
Rail conveyors are conveyor systems that use rails with pulleys, wheels or cylinders mounted on them to transport items. They can be powered or not and are commonly used in dry cleaning businesses and with pallets. Rails are usually made of steel and pulleys can be made of steel or composite plastic. Bearings are mounted […]
Rail clamps are used to support, guide, join or decorate handrails, railway tracks and cable guide rails. They have an internal profile that mirrors the rail system they are used on and can be made from light or heavy materials. The design and finish of the clamp depends on its use and environment. The term […]
Light rail systems are cost-effective and low-emission mass transportation found in urban areas. They are flexible and can run on tracks in the middle of street traffic or be separate from highways. Light rail has smaller capacity than heavy rail but can carry more passengers than buses or trolleys. Passengers purchase tickets or passes, and […]
High-speed rail systems operate at significantly higher speeds than normal trains, offering fast and efficient transportation. The definition of high-speed varies, with the EU requiring speeds over 125 mph and the US over 90 mph. Japan’s Shinkansen, or bullet train, was one of the first high-speed rail systems and currently holds the world speed record […]
Railway engineering involves designing, building, and maintaining railway systems. Specialized engineers are required for power electrification, systems engineering, and railway system integration. A degree in engineering is required, and railway engineers are in demand worldwide. The design, structure and operation of all railway systems is the main purpose of railway engineering. Civil engineering, computer engineering, […]
A rail mounted gantry is a heavy crane used to load and unload heavy objects on railroad docks, yards, or factories. It consists of two A-frame constructions with train-type wheels on parallel railroad tracks, allowing the gantry to move and cover large loading areas. The crane can lift and lower loads at any point in […]
Riding the rails refers to using rail transport as the primary means of travel, historically associated with the Great Depression when many people rode trains illegally to find work. The railroad system in America changed the country, making distant places accessible. Riding the rails had a romantic allure but a harsh reality, with many young […]
A railgun uses electricity to create a magnetic field that accelerates a projectile between two metal rails. However, the tremendous repulsive force requires frequent repairs and a large power supply, making them less practical than conventional shells. The US Army has invested in successful prototypes, but maintenance remains an issue. Peaceful applications such as space […]
Railroad inspectors ensure safe train operation by checking equipment, tracks, and communication devices. They may specialize in power and equipment or track inspection, and may require certification and post-secondary education. Inspectors investigate accidents and must be willing to travel. Before a train can safely operate on any rail system, a railroad inspector will need to […]
Railway bridges are complex engineering feats designed to cross obstacles in the landscape, allowing for shorter journeys and faster delivery of goods. They have evolved from wood and stone to steel and suspension bridges, and must withstand extreme loads and weather conditions. As rail travel declines, many bridges are preserved or repurposed for hiking and […]
