Forum Archive Index - January 2001

[Marilyn Munroe <who.c@res.co.nz>]

The following is an extract from "Handbook for Permanent Way Staff in
the Way and Works Branch". Issued by authority of the General Manager of
Railways 1958.

Corrugated Rails: The distinguishing feature of of corrugated rails is a series of bright, hard spots on the running surface of the rail head. The spacing may be irregular or intermittent and may vary approximately from 1½ in. to 10 in., or even more. The chief objections to such rails are the vibration and noise which gives rise to the term "roaring rails". The vibration greatly accelerates wear on the whole track structure and involves much labour in frequently lifting and boxing in.

The cause of corrugations has not been fully determined, but widely accepted theory is that it is due to to wheel slippage which heats the rail surface which is again quickly cooled forming a hard spot in the metal. By some authorities it is considered that corrugations are due to vibration in the rolling mill during manufacture of the rails.

Hope the above is of interest to Tony Haddon & others.

Boop-boop-de-doo Marilyn

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