Rail Cutter? - Trains Magazine
Further on thise - I note that the specs for the PRR's Rail Cutter mention that the test rails should have a Brinell Hardness Number of about 260. However, I believe - but am not certain - that current rails have a BHN in the 340 range, so that today's rails are considerably harder and tougher now.
From this webpage - = Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum-California Iron from the G. J. Graves Collection, underthe heading of Rail Chisels from the WPRR, SP Co., and CPRR, about 3/4 of the way down, which includes some photos:
"The unmarked Central Pacific rusted rail chisel (right) is very close in shape to a spike hammer. Marked Southern Pacific (middle) and Western Pacific Railroad (left) rail chisels are also shown. These chisels are used to cut the rail to the desired length. One hit the chisel with a sledge, all around the rail, cutting into it 1/4 inch or so. Then the worker would jam a steel rod into the cut, and bang on it until the rail broke."
Also from the same website, but at -
under CPRR of Cal. “RIC 64” 50-Pound “Pear” Yard/Siding Rail, Colfax, California is this, which includes a photo:
"In the illustration above the end on view (top left) shows an uneven joint face which is most likely the result of the original length being cut on site with a rail chisel when the rail was laid. The recently saw cut end (top right) clearly shows the distinctive "pear" shape of this early iron rail."
From NTSB Letter of Safety Recommendation Nos. R-85-1 through -3, dated February 20, 1985, to Missouri Pacific Railroad, regarding the November 12, 1983 derailment of Amtrak train No. 23, The Eagle, due to a rail being cut with a torch, etc., in about the middle of page 3 of 4, at -
"All
of the railroads that have responded indicate that they have rules and procedures in effect which stipulate that rail cutting with a saw or rail chisel is the preferred method." [emphasis added - PDN]- Paul North.
"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
