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The Illustrated Guide to Peter Gray Railroad Hardware

Keith Cox

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Peter Gray was a prominent manufacturer of railroad hardware in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The company's products were used in the construction and operation of railroads throughout the country, and many of them are still in use today.

This guide provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of the various hardware components used in the construction and operation of railroads. It is intended to be a useful resource for railroad historians, model railroaders, and anyone else who is interested in learning more about this fascinating subject.

Track hardware is used to secure rails to ties and to provide a smooth, level surface for trains to travel on. The most common type of track hardware is the rail spike, which is a long, pointed metal rod that is driven into a tie to hold the rail in place. Other types of track hardware include track bolts, nuts, and washers, which are used to connect rails to each other and to ties; and rail anchors, which are used to prevent rails from moving laterally.

The Illustrated Guide To Peter Gray Railroad Hardware

by Rif Winfield

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Bridge hardware is used to connect and support the various components of a railroad bridge. The most common type of bridge hardware is the bridge bolt, which is a large, heavy bolt that is used to connect bridge beams and girders. Other types of bridge hardware include bridge nuts, washers, and pins; and bridge expansion joints, which are used to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the bridge.

Signal hardware is used to control the movement of trains on a railroad. The most common type of signal hardware is the semaphore signal, which is a tall, rotating pole with a series of semaphore arms that are used to indicate the state of the signal. Other types of signal hardware include switch stands, which are used to operate railroad switches; and signal lamps, which are used to provide illumination for signals at night.

Rolling stock hardware is used to connect and support the various components of a railroad car or locomotive. The most common type of rolling stock hardware is the coupler, which is a metal device that is used to connect cars to each other and to locomotives. Other types of rolling stock hardware include brake shoes, which are used to stop trains; and draft gear, which is used to absorb the衝撃 of train collisions.

This guide has provided a brief overview of the various types of hardware used in the construction and operation of railroads. For more detailed information on this subject, please consult the references listed below.

Peter Gray Railroad Hardware Catalog (1890)
The Railroad Gazette (1887-1900)
The Railway Age (1899-1950)

Additional Information

The following are some additional details about the hardware components discussed in this guide:

Rail spikes are typically made of steel and are about 5 inches long. They are driven into ties with a spike maul or a spike driver.
Track bolts are used to connect rails to each other and to ties. They are typically made of steel and are about 1 inch in diameter.
Track nuts are used to secure track bolts in place. They are typically made of steel and are about 1 inch in diameter.
Track washers are used to distribute the load of track bolts and nuts. They are typically made of steel and are about 2 inches in diameter.
Rail anchors are used to prevent rails from moving laterally. They are typically made of steel and are about 6 inches long.
Bridge bolts are used to connect bridge beams and girders. They are typically made of steel and are about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Bridge nuts are used to secure bridge bolts in place. They are typically made of steel and are about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Bridge washers are used to distribute the load of bridge bolts and nuts. They are typically made of steel and are about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
Bridge expansion joints are used to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the bridge. They are typically made of steel and are about 6 inches long.
Semaphore signals are used to indicate the state of the signal. They are typically made of steel and are about 10 feet tall.
Switch stands are used to operate railroad switches. They are typically made of steel and are about 6 feet tall.
Signal lamps are used to provide illumination for signals at night. They are typically made of glass and are about 6 inches in diameter.
Couplers are used to connect cars to each other and to locomotives. They are typically made of steel and are about 2 feet long.
Brake shoes are used to stop trains. They are typically made of steel and are about 1 foot long.
Draft gear is used to absorb the衝撃 of train collisions. It is typically made of steel and is about 2 feet long.