Rail scales form an integral part of rail systems which are used to express and weigh things as they are transported across the rail system. Such scales are normally used to weigh large amount as they are moved by an overhead rail system from a loading dock. These scales are generally comprised of a "live rail", i.e., a vertically moveable rail which is in line, when at rest, by the fixed rail supported by the overhead rail system, and also a pair of rail hangers fastened at each ending portion of the live rail and is connected to weight measuring means which are fixed to the overhead rail system.

During operation, the object that is to be weighed is moved along the rail system by means of a load carrying wheel assembly that rolls along the fixed rail and onto the live rail. As the object to be weighed is on the live rail, its movement is stopped and the weight of the item causes the live rail to deflect downwards, causing readout in the measuring gauge connected with the weight measuring means.