Railway lines

[andrewlee]

When the Fat Controller was in charge, rail lines had gaps between them, causing trains to make the diddley-dum-diddley-dee noise.  I understood this was to allow for expansion and contraction of the rail lengths.

On most main lines now it seems that the lines are continuously welded.   So why do they not buckle and get stressed by temperature shifts?

[kempie]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_tracks#Continuous_welded_rail

[gucciman]

they do have expansion joints but they are just much further apart these days, modern construction techniques for you!

[ianess]

Well done kempie......a really informative site.    I knew about the angled jointing system but it was interesting to read about the heat applied and the concrete sleepers.   5 stars to you.