How do they avoid “clack-clack” sounds on high-speed trains? Are the rails made without gaps? And how do they manage thermal expansion then?

Question

How do they avoid “clack-clack” sounds on high-speed trains? Are the rails made without gaps? And how do they manage thermal expansion then?

In: 1047

Answer 1

CWR has no or very few joints. To work with the expansion/contraction they take out rail in the summer and add it back in during the winter. Stick rail has more movement and doesn’t require as much adding or removing rail.