What might this railway (?) item have been (not a quiz)?

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Tue 08 May, 2012 10:29 pm

I took this photo today (May 8 2012) of this object at the track of the old Crossgates to Wetherby railway line nearish to Bardsey. I wonder if anyone can tell me what it might have been? It may not be where it originally was and there seems likely to be something missing on the top. I will put a close-up view in my next post. Thanks for any help.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Tue 08 May, 2012 10:31 pm

This is the close-up view.

Phill_dvsn · Post by **Phill_dvsn** » Wed 09 May, 2012 12:14 am

Leodian wrote: This is the close-up view. I believe they are called cant posts, they were set in concrete at the side of the track to take levels from to make sure the track was at the right height and levels e.t.c. If you ever go to the NRM at York there is a film about permanent way workers during the steam era.

Jogon · Post by **Jogon** » Wed 09 May, 2012 9:28 am

LeoFor 'structural browsers' the track near Bardsey needed some good masonry to cross over Bardsey Beck and the Mill Dam for Bardsey Mill.Not quite Dark Arches but nice stonework. Bit of a scramble to get down to it. Mid 90's when I last did.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Wed 09 May, 2012 6:45 pm

Thanks Phill and Jogon.

headingleylad · Post by **headingleylad** » Wed 09 May, 2012 9:10 pm

Phil is partly right, these were called "monuments" they were placed in the "six foot" between a pair of tracks, they have a piece of metal protruding out of the top of the concrete that was used for the level and alignment of the tracks, they have not been used on the railways since the start of mechanical tamping and aligning of the Permanent Way. They are often thrown out of the ballast when the track or ballast is renewed, they were usually thrown down banks or into the cess.

Leodian · Post by **Leodian** » Wed 09 May, 2012 10:38 pm

headingleylad wrote: Phil is partly right, these were called "monuments" they were placed in the "six foot" between a pair of tracks, they have a piece of metal protruding out of the top of the concrete that was used for the level and alignment of the tracks, they have not been used on the railways since the start of mechanical tamping and aligning of the Permanent Way. They are often thrown out of the ballast when the track or ballast is renewed, they were usually thrown down banks or into the cess. Thanks headingleylad. It's interesting that you say they are often thrown down banks as one can be seen in the greenery area just before this water course goes into a short tunnel in this photo I took on May 8 2012.