8

Explanatory Remarks referring to the annexed Table

of Results.

Nos. 1, 2, and 3, are three of the original half-sleepers,bolted through under the rail, and similar in section to those laiddown on the Midland and South Eastern Railways.

Nos. 4 and 5, are on the half-sleeper principle, but insteadof chairs, cast iron cases or pockets were cast on to the sleeper,so as to contain wood cushions fitting the rail. The bolts werepassed through the wood and underneath the rail.

Nos. 6 and 7, are in length, width, thickness of plate, ribs,&c., the same as the castings Nos. 1. 2. and 3, but had pocketsfor wood cushions cast on, similar to sleepers 4 and 5.

Nos. 8 and 9, the wood cushions were fitted into de-tached cast-iron pockets or cases, which covered the wood atthe top, bottom and ends; the side in contact with the rail, andthe one resting upon the sleeper, were uncovered, so as to givea soft bedding to the rail. The bolts were passed through holesmade for that purpose in the wood cushions, pocket, and sleeper,and the nuts which are underneath were held in their positionsby means of bosses cast on to the sleeper. The weight of eachof these sleepers, without the pockets, was 127 lbs. The fourpockets for each casting weighed 24 lbs.

No. 10, was similar in principle to Nos. 8 and 9, butwith some little difference in the arrangement of the ribs insection. The length of the sleeper was increased five inches.The pockets, cushions, and other fastenings were the same.

Nos. 11 and 12, are modified forms of angular corrugatedsleeper. The pockets, cushions, and other fastenings are thesame.

Nos. 13 and 14, the sleepers are cast all in one piece, withtwo chairs, containing the rail, which is keyed up in the usualmanner. The castings are of the section long in use on theMidland Railway.