Main line ties are usually creosote-treated hardwood about 7 by 9 inches and 8 feet 6 inches long, set roughly 20 inches apart, or prestressed concrete at about 24 inches on heavy-haul lines. They keep the two rails the right distance apart and pass wheel loads down into the ballast. Rotten or split ties lose their grip on the spikes and let the rails spread, so tie gangs replace them by the thousands every season.
Five bad ties in a row right there, that's why she's running wide on gauge, get a slow order on it.
Americans and Canadians say tie; sleeper is the British word, and using it on a North American section gang marks you as a visitor.
Also heard as
- crosstie
- sleeper
Related terms
Ballast
The bed of crushed rock under and around the ties that holds the track in line and drains water away.
Gauge
The distance between the inside faces of the two rails, 4 feet 8.5 inches on standard-gauge track.
Gandy dancer
A railroad track worker, especially one on a section or tie gang doing hands-on track work.
MOW
Maintenance of way: the department and crews that build and maintain track, bridges and roadbed.