"Long after the CPRR was constructed, the length of flatcars which had been smaller and varied became standardized at about 40 feet, so subsequently, rail length became uniform at 39 feet ... about [the] 1900-1915 era. ... Previously the standard was 33 foot lengths (to fit in 34 foot cars). ... the earlier length was 29 feet (to fit in 30 foot cars) ... Civil War-era rails were 12' - 25' long. [from the R&LHS Newsgroup]"
Generally during construction I believe the boxcars were 25 feet long, while the flats were 30 feet. Shortly after (or before) completion in 1869, boxcars became 28 feet, while flats stayed at 30 feet for many more years. At least that is my perception.
2 Comments:
From the rail length FAQ:
"Long after the CPRR was constructed, the length of flatcars which had been smaller and varied became standardized at about 40 feet, so subsequently, rail length became uniform at 39 feet ... about [the] 1900-1915 era. ... Previously the standard was 33 foot lengths (to fit in 34 foot cars). ... the earlier length was 29 feet (to fit in 30 foot cars) ... Civil War-era rails were 12' - 25' long. [from the R&LHS Newsgroup]"
From: KyleWyatt@aol.com
Generally during construction I believe the boxcars were 25 feet long, while the flats were 30 feet. Shortly after (or before) completion in 1869, boxcars became 28 feet, while flats stayed at 30 feet for many more years. At least that is my perception.
—Kyle Wyatt
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