JPS1At what point, if any, would ambient air temperature be considered too hot to continue operations? Has a U.S. railroad ever shut down operations because it was too hot?
My experience has been that extreme conditions determine for the railroad whether it "shuts down". This is most often account the effects of cold temperatures on equipment and track, slowing operations. I have not experienced a situation of excessive heat to the extent that operations were curtailed although I suppose it might happen if the rail "runs" in numerous places. I don't recall any of the railroads for whom I worked ceasing operations. Traffic was such that the essence of operation was to keep volume moving, weather notwithstanding. Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings now require certain operations to cease or proceed with caution when such activity is in the area.
The common tactic to fight high ambient temperatures is the 'Heat Order', the heat order reduces train speed over the territories where it is implemented by a specified amount of MPH below the normally authorized speed during a specific period of the day. On CSX when I was working when Heat Orders were issued they were in effect between 1300 and 1900. On CSX, at the time, the MofW Officials were the ones that had Transportation issue and/or remove the Heat Orders.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
heat orders at ambient temperatures are one thing However how often have you left some metal tool ( usually steel ) out in the open sun and had it become too hot to handle ? That may be the reason CSX and probably other RRs have the order start at 1300 as the rails continue to heat above ambient temps ?
I recall reading sometime in the past that some RR ( European ? ) had tried to paint rail whit to reflect some sun light.e
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