Construction
George's son Robert Stephenson took on the post of engineer, with an assistant, John Birkinshaw. Some 42 miles (68 km) long, it would need seventy eight bridges and two viaducts, with a cutting at the approach to Derby, consideration being given to the danger of flooding by the River Trent and there was no gradient steeper than 1 in 339.
The rails were single parallel form, 56 lb (25 kg). per yard, set in chairs upon cross sleepers. Although the standard gauge was used to match the other railways it was associated with, the rails were actually set at 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m) apart to allow extra play.
Read more about this topic: Birmingham And Derby Junction Railway
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