Curved Piece: RR Related?

cyberborikua · Jun 17, 2011

Hi all. I have been detecting a new walking trail and have been finding RR related stuff. I found the piece in the pic, but don't know if it is RR related or what was used for. Interesting shape though.

NOLA_Ken · Jun 17, 2011

it is from the rail, it would fit on the bottom of the track, I'm not sure what purpose they serve though. They're called "Track clips" I think. I always wondered what they were used for, near as I can tell they keep the track from being able to slide across the tie.

cyberborikua · Jun 17, 2011

NOLA_Ken said:
it is from the rail, it would fit on the bottom of the track, I'm not sure what purpose they serve though. I always wondered, just never actually looked into it.

Thanks. At least I know is RR related. Maybe other folks will figure out the name and use of it. I've been finding interesting things and even flattened coins, which I'll post later.

knighthunter · Jun 17, 2011

Rail anchor, keeps the rail from moving lengthways.

cyberborikua · Jun 18, 2011

knighthunter said:
Rail anchor, keeps the rail from moving lengthways.

Thanks. I found a diagram showing it. :icon_thumright:

Tnmountains · Jun 18, 2011

I used to hate driving those things on a rail as a kid. They had a habit of not clipping with the first swift blow of a spiking hammer and would go flying. :thumbsup:

cyberborikua · Jun 18, 2011

TnMountains said:
I used to hate driving those things on a rail as a kid. They had a habit of not clipping with the first swift blow of a spiking hammer and would go flying.

Great, you worked building a RR. I have some other pics of RR pieces I found at an abandoned RR way, later converted into a walk/bike trail. I'll like your comments on them and help ID others. I know about the tie plates, but what the numbers represent? I'll appreciate your knowledge.

Tnmountains · Jun 18, 2011

The bolts were used to fasten two pieces of rail together. It had a 4 hole rounded plate with 4 holes in it. Two on each side. Where the washers went as well. The plate is just marked by size and looks like Rail road co. I worked for Southern RR and L&N. Started on the tracks later became a track foreman then a bridge carpenter and then an operator running heavy equipt like buckrus erie cranes,dozers and high rails. The log or tie handler was the most fun. Traveled all the way from Tn to Chicago 15 miles at a time. Did it for a few years then moved on... :hello:

Nothing like the ring of a hammer on steel.

cyberborikua · Jun 19, 2011

TnMountains said:
The bolts were used to fasten two pieces of rail together. It had a 4 hole rounded plate with 4 holes in it. Two on each side. Where the washers went as well. The plate is just marked by size and looks like Rail road co. I worked for Southern RR and L&N. Started on the tracks later became a track foreman then a bridge carpenter and then an operator running heavy equipt like buckrus erie cranes,dozers and high rails. The log or tie handler was the most fun. Traveled all the way from Tn to Chicago 15 miles at a time. Did it for a few years then moved on... Nothing like the ring of a hammer on steel.

Thank you for the info. I was told that the number 1940 on the plate was the year it was patented.