Light Rails
In the early days of railroading, rolling stock and the loads they carried were much lighter than they were to become. One of the first rails with the familiar “I” shape originated in the UK in 1829. Coincidentally, Stephenson’s Rocket locomotive was created in the same year. These rails weigh just 36 lbs/yard (17.9 kg/m) whereas a modern Transport rail might be 136 lbs/yard (67.4 kg/m).
Over time, lightweight rails have been superseded by larger & heavier rails for transportation purposes. Mining was an early adopter, and lightweight rails found other uses: light crane systems, assembly lines, automated warehouse retrieval systems, hanger doors, amusement parks and even car washes, to name only a few. As this shift took place, Light Rail formed a class distinct from Transportation Rail. Different countries have developed their own standards and the rails themselves evolved with different shapes, sizes and specifications. European and American standards dominate the Light Rail market.
Basic Dimensions
Mechanical properties
Description
European Light Rails are offered in many sizes and shapes. Over the years, rail production has jumped between countries, but the products remain unchanged. The “S” rails were a German creation. Similarly “BS” rails were created in the UK, “UNI” rails were first produced in Italy, and “AFNOR” rails were originally French products. Today, you may find these rails produced in countries such as Luxembourg, Poland and Spain.
European Light Rails are finished in standard lengths of 6, 9, 10, 12 and 18 metres (≈ 20, 30, 33, 39, and 59 ft), but other lengths can be supplied by special request. Drilled ends are the norm, with non-drilled (blank) ends supplied by special request.
Address
740 Notre-Dame Street West
Suite 1240
Montréal (QC) H3C 3X6
Canada
Wirth Rail America Inc.
PO Box 4845
Harrisburg, PA 17111
USA
