How did they make these sharply-curved rails? (Light rail next to the San Diego train station)

[Robert Gift]

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Manyears ago my great uncle, steam locomotivengineer, said the Pennsylvania Railroad bent their rails for curves.
But none were anything like this.

Are rails today bent? Or manufactured to order?

Thank you.

 

[bnsf971]

Modern rails are a lot more "bendy" than you would think. Their strength is vertical, not horizontal, and will bend to pretty sharp curves if needed. Also, "light rail" isn't as heavy-duty as standard class 1, 132 pound rail, which also helps the Bendiness.

 

[bcp]

Here's the modern way:

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The old way, rail was often bent on site with screw jacks.

Bruce