Network Rail to replace wooden sleepers with recycled plastic". The Telegraph. 4 May 2009. Archived from the original on 2022-01-12 . Retrieved 21 December 2012. London to Reading, Newbury, Didcot Parkway, Swindon and Oxford (summary of fast trains) (PDF, 749 KB)

When connected to the rodding, moving them to one side or the other relaxes the flexing in one blade, while increasing the flexing in the other. So the forces needed are cancelled out, and they can be moved across easily. This is what is meant by springing the blades against each other. On the highest categories of line in the UK (those with the highest speeds and tonnages), pre-stressed concrete ties are the only ones permitted by Network Rail standards.Schut, Jan H. (2004). "They've Been Working on the Railroad". Plastics Technology. Archived from the original on 2009-01-31 . Retrieved 2007-11-05.

Steel Sleepers in the Rail Industry – they are still made, and have quite a history". Archived from the original on August 10, 2017 . Retrieved August 9, 2017.

Cook, J. H. G. (1988). Institution of Civil Engineers (ed.). Urban Railways and the Civil Engineer. Thomas Telford. ISBN 0-7277-1337-X. Various methods exist for fixing the rail to the railroad ties. Historically spikes gave way to cast iron chairs fixed to the tie, more recently springs (such as Pandrol clips) are used to fix the rail to the tie chair. Additionally, some manufacturers utilize pressure treatment processes to enhance the durability and longevity of the ties. This involves injecting preservatives into the wood under high pressure, which not only protects against decay and insect infestation but also helps maintain the dimensions over time. Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach, Filton Abbey Wood, Patchway, Bristol Parkway and Yate (stopping services) (PDF, 1 MB) I usually try to resist going into pedant mode, however having spent three days working on realigning a full sized A7 turnout and replacing a 13 foot hardwood sleeper by hand, I took these pictures to illustrate the correct terminology rather than that which is often used by railway modellers.