White Rails at Glasgow Central

[SteveP29]

Coming into and out of Glasgow Central yesterday, I saw them again and since I always wondered why the sides of the rails on the bridge over the Clyde are painted white, I though it an appropriate question to ask here.

Is it so they can be seen, since there are so many of them, but then I do see white rails on other parts of the network, so is there some other reason?

 

[Phil.]

It's to reflect sunlight and thus minimise the amount of heat that the rail is subject to in an effort to prevent buckling.
I'm always reminded of Billy Connelly's statement that Glasgow has two seasons, Winter and August.

 

[Railsigns]

The rails of points are painted white to reflect heat so as to minimise points failures caused by expansion, not to prevent buckling.

 

[Phil.]

The rails of points are painted white to reflect heat so as to minimise points failures caused by expansion, not to prevent buckling.

Expansion can lead to buckling but I take your point.

 

[Deepgreen]

Expansion can lead to buckling but I take your point.

Over the relatively tiny lengths involved in point blades, buckling is not the issue. If long stretches of plain line are painted, that would be a different matter.

 

[Railsigns]

Expansion can lead to buckling but I take your point.

Buckling tends to be more of a concern on continuously welded rail; less so in areas of complex S&C with lots of fishplated joints.

 

[Signal Head]

There was a set of EP switch diamonds in the Manchester area which were notorious for failing in hot weather, as the 'extension irons' which are fastened to the switch tips would foul the same fittings on the opposite set of switches as the switches expanded, there being very little clearance between the two sets, preventing either set from moving. It used to go on the fault report as 'clashing irons'. This was years ago, before anyone had the idea of painting the rails white.

 

[jayalongtheway]

I've noticed this between Hazel Grove and Edgeley Junction (Stockport) too.

 

[Blindtraveler]

Of course another explaination could be that these white patches are a side effect of Pway gangs enjoying a bit of FHM/Page 3 on their break



The above was intended as a joke and not to offend anyone so if I have appologies

 

[a_c_skinner]

You have to.

 

[Philip Phlopp]

Of course another explaination could be that these white patches are a side effect of Pway gangs enjoying a bit of FHM/Page 3 on their break



The above was intended as a joke and not to offend anyone so if I have appologies

Absolutely unacceptable comment.

Permanent way gangs getting a break. Next you'll be suggesting they get a tea urn on wheels.

 

[Ships]

Absolutely unacceptable comment.

Permanent way gangs getting a break. Next you'll be suggesting they get a tea urn on wheels.

Don't diss the tsa tea trolley!

 

[Trog]

White rails in Glasgow, is that not just the normal snow cover?