Rälsdelarna

Rälsdelarna is a Swedish term referring to components of a railway track. These are the individual pieces that, when assembled, form the continuous pathway for trains. The primary components include rails, which are the steel beams that guide the wheels of a train. These rails are typically made of high-carbon steel to withstand immense pressure and friction.

Another crucial part is the sleeper, also known as a tie, which lies perpendicular to the rails. Sleepers hold the rails at a fixed distance apart, known as the gauge, and transfer the load from the rails to the ballast beneath. Historically, wooden sleepers were common, but concrete and steel sleepers are now widely used for their durability and stability.

The ballast is the layer of crushed stone or gravel that supports the sleepers and rails. It provides drainage, distributes the load over a wider area of the subgrade, and helps to keep the track in alignment. Fastenings are also integral to rälsdelarna. These are the devices that secure the rails to the sleepers. Common types include spikes, clips, and bolts.

The points, or turnouts, are a particularly complex set of rälsdelarna that allow trains to switch from one track to another. They consist of movable blades that guide the train's wheels onto the desired path. Together, these various components form the complete railway track system.