Good_Mornin_Sunshine
Good_Mornin_Sunshine t1_iy3pe1m wrote
Reply to comment by OldMork in TIL that when it's really cold, Chicago sets its railroad tracks on fire to ensure that trains will be able to run properly and get to their destinations on time by leebruce2
Railroad expert. Yes.
Good_Mornin_Sunshine t1_iy3pc53 wrote
Reply to comment by Android_slag in TIL that when it's really cold, Chicago sets its railroad tracks on fire to ensure that trains will be able to run properly and get to their destinations on time by leebruce2
Most US switches are heated electrically. The gas blowers are more efficient for areas that get deep snow or ice.
Good_Mornin_Sunshine t1_iy3p6jy wrote
Reply to comment by Sea-Blueberry-3184 in TIL that when it's really cold, Chicago sets its railroad tracks on fire to ensure that trains will be able to run properly and get to their destinations on time by leebruce2
Hot air blowers or are they applying the fire to the switch points?
Good_Mornin_Sunshine t1_iy3p41o wrote
Reply to comment by T_Noctambulist in TIL that when it's really cold, Chicago sets its railroad tracks on fire to ensure that trains will be able to run properly and get to their destinations on time by leebruce2
It's actually quite damaging to the tracks, even if they don't melt or turn to ash. They only use this method in a couple of interlockings for this reason.
That said, it looks like the trains are driving through Hell and that's amazing.
Good_Mornin_Sunshine t1_iy3ph0i wrote
Reply to comment by Camiata2 in TIL that when it's really cold, Chicago sets its railroad tracks on fire to ensure that trains will be able to run properly and get to their destinations on time by leebruce2
This is Metra, not CTA.