railroad track![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
A pair of parallel rails laid end to end and on which trains run.
ballast ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Bed of gravel that serves as the foundation for the tracks and provides drainage.
rail ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Steel bar of a set gauge that is attached to ties; the train’s wheels roll along it.
tie ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Piece of wood or concrete that is set in ballast and supports the rails to distribute the train’s load and keep the rails parallel.