What are the common lengths of rails?
The most common length for BG rails is 13m (42’8”) although double-length rails (26m, 85’4”) are seen in some places. MG rails are usually 12m (39’4”) in length. NG rails vary, but the commonest length is 9m (29’6”). Much earlier (before the metric system was adopted!), rails were generally produced in sizes of 11, 12, or 14 yards (33′, 36′, 42′), less commonly 13 yards (39′) or 10 yards (30′ – NG). Welded rail sections are of two types: Short Welded Rail or SWR which consists of just two or three rails welded together, and Long Welded Rail or LWR which covers anything longer. (In the past, there was a distinction made between LWR and Continuously Welded Rail, or CWR, based on the length — in CWR, the total length was 0.75km or more. The term ‘CWR’ is no longer used although you may still find it in old documents or painted signs.) LWR is typically any length larger than twice the breathing length, which is the length allowed at the end of the welded rail section which is free to
