DCHP-1 Online
end of the steel Obs. 
the most recently laid tracks of a railway under construction; the farthest point to which tracks have been laid.
See also: end of steel (def. 1b) head of steel (def. 1)
- 1912 After following this for a mile or so, we came to the end of the steel, but there was no construction work going on, and indeed no sign of life anywhere about.
- 1916 All the battalions thus far organised in the two chief cities of Canada would not equal in number the army of men employed by the C.P.R. from the President's anteroom to the outposting end of the steel, round the world and back.
- 1912 After following this for a mile or so, we came to the end of the steel, but there was no construction work going on, and indeed no sign of life anywhere about.