... topic: 2850 Worn-rail fishplate posted: 24 Feb 2016 21:22 from: Martin Wynne This is a special fishplate for connecting worn bullhead rail (on the left) to new or unworn rail (on the right). You can see how much the head depth of the rail has been worn down -- the stepped fishplate brings it back up level with the unworn rail. 2_241603_300000000.jpg It's unusual to see this within pointwork. It means the bridge chair supporting the worn rail needs a thicker base than the near one, as they are both on the same timber. Special chairs were made with thicker than the standard 1.3/4" base thickness for this type of situation. 2_250126_200000000.jpg It may possibly be 85lb rail on the left, rather than worn 95lb rail. The radiused top corner on the rail does suggest original rail rather than worn. The fishplate is clearly marked for 95R BH WORN/ NEW. BS-85R 85lb bullhead rail was originally intended for branch lines, sidings and yards, etc., but in practice ...