Manchester Tramways

MANCHESTER TRAMWAYS - Barker’s system, now completed at Manchester, under Mr. J. H. Lynde, C.E., supplies the desideratum we have constantly urged—that of affording a continuous bearing surface for both the granite sets and the rails. There is no timber used, the sleepers being of cast iron, which afford, by their lower wide spreading flanges, a continuous bearing both for the rails and for the adjoining sets. These sleepers are cast in lengths of about 3ft., and the flange base is 12in, in width. The rails are of Bessemer steel, 3in. wide, weighing 40lb. per yard, and are fixed to sleepers by cotters. These rails have a central web, which fits into a groove in the head of sleeper, through which the cotters pass. This system is one of the simplest and best we are acquainted with. [Building News 3 May 1878 page 439]

Reference           Building News 3 May 1878 page 439