An early track profile made from a simple flat strap of iron laid horizontally and spiked onto continuous longitudinal wooden beams. These rails provided a smooth running surface for wheels but lacked the structural rigidity of later rolled profiles. Track gangs abandoned them because the iron straps frequently pulled loose under heavy loads, curling upward to pierce the floorboards of passing cars.
Heard on the job
The historical society wants us to spike down a hundred feet of flat rail for the new exhibit.
Insider tip
Because they lacked a vertical web for strength, these rails relied entirely on the underlying timber to support the weight of the train.
Also heard as
- strap rail
- plate rail