Tweet

---

November 19, 1937

---

A Modern Crossing For The Oldest English Railway

It is 112 years since the original Stockton and Darlington Railway was opened for traffic, yet notwithstanding its crude construction, it marked the beginning of an era of development in transport, the far-reaching effects of which could not possibly have been conceived in those dim distant days. Curiously enough, the track in question is to-day called upon to carry some of the most important passenger and freight traffic in the British Isles, including famous trains such as the "Silver Jubilee" and "Coronation Special." As is to be expected, therefore, no effort is spared to maintain the permanent way in the highest state of efficiency, the equipment being in every way in line with modern practice.

Excellent evidence of this policy is to be found in the type of crossings installed at the "S. and D" level crossing, Darlington, shown in the accompanying illustrations. It comprises 24 intersections, that is to say, 24 single crossings, which were supplied by Hadfields, Ltd., Sheffield, as solid castings in their patent "Era" manganese steel, and to the requirements of Mr. F. E. Harrison, the engineer (North Eastern area) London and North Eastern Railway.

This class of construction possesses many advantages over the ordinary "built-up" type of crossing, some of which may here be cited. The solid cast crossing is more rigid, being in one piece, there is an absence of loose parts needing constant after-attention and adjustment; the guard rails are incorporated in the casting and the complete crossing is easily and quickly installed by bolting down to the timber foundations, no chairs, of course, being required. Another feature is that the principle of ramping the flangeways can be adopted. This is particularly important on high speed main lines, in that it undoubtedly makes for sweeter running and affords the maximum of protection to the crossing noses by preventing "hammering."

Such crossings are in use in all parts of the world, and made as they are in Hadfield's patent "Era" manganese steel, they outlive by several times the ordinary carbon steel built-up variety, thus resulting in definite economy.