![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3vYjjsk6JTmUqxAau2iCQlQ9WR5qu-wTRj8tYjejwj3J7CeMFOaHy5r2BtDpt72JBsQB55394kIlGl3OqYhPNNNxICP-qNprw59Q-r6OEVjJSXLSATwQZ9fEgJer3AW9otUWOEpUV1H2/s320/loosespikes.jpg)
This is safe? Only one spike instead of what obviously calls for two, at least 20mm above the track flange. This is a most heavily used track. What prevents the rail from tipping over when a heavy train travels on them?
Update April 26:
Barbra's comment (below) prompted me to have a quick look at European rail construction. I did a quick search on the internet. Here's what I found almost immediately:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkMiPmYa0GmrwszOK5ohJm2Zh4VlrcFQ23DzFIHRfmnnv7EBbaPUzpqgjVTNyBgEwDYZggcn2I7DG_PuH-Q9oHO5BrAe33OBDqvbxSdjcCbgcOopPGw58axtcZUMkzlxvDqNjq9O8i2R-/s320/eurotrackdetail.jpg)
They use concrete ties (no wood) and bolt their tracks to them. I see no "play" between the bolted brackets and the rail. This looks like a seldom used spur line (consider the rust on the top of the rail). The Europeans appear to secure even their little-used tracks in this fashion.