The rails were used as return conductors, also connnected by copper strips at rail joints.

Even though fishplates strengthen the weak points represented by rail joints, improvements can still be made.

This year saw welding of rail joints for the first time, on 8 January.

Unlike track circuits, axle counters do not require insulated rail joints to be installed.

It was oddly like the sound of cars traveling over an old-fashioned railway, one with unwelded rail joints.

Inside the station, new commands at another insulated rail joint would command the train to stop.

The cars, however, were fitted with different types of brake shoes, to see which one would negotiate the rail joints better.

Concrete sleepers were banned at rail joints on the Southern Region.

An application of brakes slowed down the clickety-click of the rail joints.

All the rail joints would be welded by the Thermit process, to give a smooth ride throughout.