Rail Repair

[Notch 8]

I have always noticed on old stick rail at the butt joints that some of these joints have appeared to have been repaired, as the wheel passes a joint with much gap the wheels over time will mushroom the head of the rail, I have seen were these looked as if they had been welded up, Is there anyone on this board that knows this process ? I need to repair some dibits on some ASCE rail and was curious ?

Mike

[M.D.Bentley]

Are the repairs to be made on the end or in the middle of the rail? The rail has to be preheated no matter which process you use. Stick or arc welding, you can use any mild steel welding rod ( i've used 7018,7024,etc.) If you are using mig or wire feed welding, it's best to use a flux core wire. Either way proper prep will make the repair last. For frogs and switch points a harder material will be needed.