When it's dry, flip it over and add the sway bracing on the other side. On top of the bent caps are stringers, under each rail. These were usually three timbers side by side, with spacers between to allow air circulation and drainage. Ties were bolted to the stringers, rails spiked to the ties. There were guard timbers along the ends of the ties.
Guard rails between the running rails.
The purpose of guard rails is to keep the train from falling off the bridge if it derails, not to keep the train from derailing. Thus, the distance between the rail and guard rail should allow a wheel to fit between them. This distance is wider than the flange way used for guard rails on switches. For superelevation on curves, bent caps may be tapered. Tapered timbers may be attached between the bent caps and stringers.