Rail facts for kids

The word rail has a few different meanings, but they all usually refer to a long, narrow bar or structure. It can be something you hold onto, a part of a railway, or even a type of bird! Understanding the different ways we use "rail" helps us know exactly what someone is talking about.

What is a Rail?

A rail is generally a long, strong bar or beam. It's often made of metal, but can also be made of wood or other materials. Rails are used in many ways, from helping people stay safe to guiding huge trains.

Rails for Safety and Support

Many types of rails are designed to keep people safe or help them move around.

• A guard rail is a strong barrier, often found along roads or dangerous edges. It helps prevent vehicles or people from falling off or going into unsafe areas. Think of the rails you see on a highway bridge.
• A handrail is a bar that you can hold onto for support. You often see handrails on stairways, escalators, or ramps. They help you keep your balance and prevent falls, especially for younger kids or older people.

Rails in Nature: The Rail Bird

Did you know "rail" can also refer to a type of bird?

• Rails are a group of birds that belong to the Rallidae family. These birds are usually shy and live in wetlands, like marshes and swamps. They often have long toes that help them walk on soft ground or floating plants. Many rail species are known for being secretive and hard to spot.

Rails for Transport

One of the most common and important uses of the word "rail" is in transport.

• Rail transport is a way of moving people or goods using trains on special tracks. It's one of the oldest and most efficient ways to travel long distances over land. Trains can carry a lot of weight and are often very fast.

Railway Tracks

The most famous type of rail is the railway track. These are the strong, parallel steel bars that trains run on.

• Railway tracks are carefully designed to support the heavy weight of trains and guide their wheels smoothly.
• The steel used for these tracks is very strong and is shaped in a special way to fit train wheels perfectly.
• There are different shapes of rails, like the common Vignoles rail (which looks like an upside-down 'T') or grooved rails used for trams in city streets.

How Trains Get Power: The Third Rail

Some electric trains get their power from an extra rail, called a third rail.

• This third rail runs alongside the main tracks and carries electricity.
• A special part on the train, called a "contact shoe," touches this third rail to pick up the electricity.
• This power then makes the train's motors work, allowing it to move. You often see third rails in subway systems or on commuter trains in big cities.