Abstract The composition of two commercial rail steels (1% Cr and Cr-Cb) were modified by addition of vanadium and nitrogen. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the steels were determined. The results indicate that addition of 0.1% vanadium to the base compositions offers potential for a cost effective increase of YS at “normal” nitrogen contents, providing the tensile ductility, we1dability, and fracture toughness at − 50°C are proven acceptable by testing as-rolled rail sections. The results are compared with those for other types of high-strength steels intended for wear-resistant rail.Laboratory heats of the two base compositions were prepared with vanadium contents of 0.1 and 0.2 %, and a vanadium:nitrogen ratio of 10:1.Ingots were forged to 64 × 64 × 1200mm billets and were cooled at a rate that simulated commercial practice [1].The 0.1% vanadium addition increased the yield strength of both types of steel to 830MPa and increased the hardness to Rc 38 (from Rc 34). There was a correspon...