Kooyong Tram Square and track inserts
  William Jackson

Richard

I think I have an answer to your question about the "small inserts at the
end of the tram rails".

Given the width of the trains wheels, see below - Xtrap, and if we look at
the "insert" we see it's also worn to the width of the trains wheel and to
the same level as that of the heavy rail. My guess is, as the trains wheels
pass over the tram rails groove it will natural drop a little bit. Over time
that dropped section will get bigger and bigger and bigger. It is my belief
that they've put in the insert with the idea of replacing that small piece
rather than a length of tram rail. How it's retained and how it's done is
anybody's guess! It certainly hasn't done much for the ground around it!!!

It is quite amazing how wide the gap is for the trams wheels to negotiate.

Regards,

William

From: 'Richard Youl'
Sent: Thursday, 7 March 2019 2:30 PM

..

I'm yet to understand the purpose of the small inserts at the ends of the
tram rails. I could only suppose that they are intended to be replaced from
time to time when they wore out, but if so that is well overdue. Needless to
say the trams bang somewhat with some rather large gaps to jumps over.

Anyway with all these fascinating crossings due to be replaced in the next
few years no longer will engineers have to worry about innovating some
better way of designing them.

Regards,

On 2 Mar 2019, at 10:52, William Jackson apairofjacks@...
mailto:apairofjacks@optusnet.com.au > wrote:

Glenferrie Rd tram square, photo for Richard ;)

This takes a massive battering with every train that passes over, I can't
vouch for the tram traffic but can't imagine it's much better. If you look
closely (rail traffic is horizontal - that visible being the down line, tram
traffic vertical) you'll see a groove through the railway head the width of
a tram wheel, what has caused this I have no idea. I thought maybe tram rail
grinding, (maybe the trammies amongst us might know) but with this
additional width for the rail wheels to pass over, in addition to the flange
groove, makes for a massive shuddering ride. It is quite surprising to me
how narrow the tram groove is.

It's very noticeable how the surrounding concrete has been and is shattering
itself to pieces and has be plugged (no more gaps style) with bitumen. One
day this will be separated.

William - Track work voyeur

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