File:I and Barlow casted iron rails.png

English: The ∩-rails are more easily manufactured than the ɪ-rails, the difficulty of filing the flanges not being so great as in the latter rail. Fig. 581 represents the old rail, and Fig. 582 Mr. W. H. Barlow's patent rail, which is made to form its own continuous bearing. In section this rail somewhat resembles an inverted V, with its ends considerably turned outwards. This portion forms the surface by which the rail bears upon the ballasting, the apex of the Λ being formed with flanges in the ordinary form of rails ; and the rail, therefore, beds throughout on the ballast. It can be very easily packed up and adjusted when out of place, and all the fittings of sleepers, chairs, and keys, are done away with, nothing being rerjuired besides the rails themselves, except a cross or tie-rod at the joints, to hold them at the proper distance asunder, so as to keep the gauge of the line.