Torpedos

[kenneo]

Just another note.....on the SP, when we had cabooses (aka cabeese for more than one caboose), the restricted speed rule applied also. However, when you encountered a lit fusee, you stopped NOW and did not pass the fusee (aka flag or firestick) until it burnt out. If you overran the flag, you had to wait 10 minutes, listening for approaching trains, and proceed for 2 miles at restricted speed after the 10 minutes. Also, Rule 99 required the rear man to go back in dark territory and the head man to go forward in dark territory and leave guns (torpedoes) and flags. You could overrun your own guns without penality.

The classic test for the Trainmaster was to light a fusee and through it in front of the train so that it would be overrun and then test you on how well you did the protection moves. Often put about an hour on the delay sheet. [8][:(]

In dark territory, when a train was following another, the clearance card for the following trains had a line for "Do Not Leave (station name) until (time)" and was filled out by the Telegrapher after the proceeding train had departed. Dark Territory Rules required 10 minute separations between following trains so that the rear man could get back to stop the following movement should that be necessary.

Also, in such a situation where it was known that a train was or likely could be within that 10 minute window, the train ahead was required to "Drop Flag", which meant that the rear man lit a fusee every 10 minutes and dropped it off the rear platform. He was required to observe it until it was no longer visable to insure the following movement could find it lit if within the 10 min period.

Today, without cabeese, the railroads use TWC Rules which are supposed to protect trains ahead. Also, MofW crews are still supposed to set torpedos (aka guns) for use in warning trains like the rear man did. If used in conjunction with an Absolute or a Conditional Stop board, they also meant STOP. With the Conditional Stop, if the forman of the work had authorized the train to proceed prior to the train fireing the guns, the train was to proceed in accordance with the slow order not to exceed restricted speed.

And lastly, if you are in a situation where another train could be meeting you and you can't get into the clear (for any reason what so ever), off goes the head man with his guns and firestick far enough ahead so that there was no collision. Now you know why locomotives are still supplied with guns and firesticks.

Eric

[wabash1]

On the ns we used 2 torpedos 100 ft apart. and when the train hits it then they reduce to resticted speed for 1 mile. also when you put the torpedo down you lit a fuseee and dropped it there so if there was a train close he know that you was ahead also as you was walking back you would drop a fusse to warn a train not exceding its burn time.until you reached the rear of the train. also fussee was dropped anytime train speed was below track speed you would drop a fussee to let any train following know that he was within 10 min of your train. ( the old rule was you was not allowed to follow a train no closer than 10 min.) hope this helps

[Anonymous]

although they're not used much any more, they still must be in the cabs just in case.
i used to put on the rail when i would do my pre-service inspection, just to keep the movers awake this time of year. LOL
marty

[Anonymous]

Oh boy, this sure stirs up some old memories. I recall the old "bone-pile" at the GTW shops in Battle Creek, where old engines were parked, and left to the elements. As a youngster, I would go there and explore the old Alcos, NW's, SW's, etc. Most of them still had a box of fusees, and torpedoes in the cab. Being a mischevious teenager, I took these items for clandestine uses. I had lots of fun with those track torpedoes. Did some heck raising with the fusees as well. But, as I am aging, I don't do that sort of thing anymore..
T.C.

[edblysard]

Uh, yeah, what they all said...

[CShaveRR]

My bad...

IronKen is correct, both about the placement of torpedoes in alternating fashion and about "restricted speed". Restricted speed does have an upper limit (20 m.p.h. on UP), and requires the crew to be able to stop within half of the range of vision, and be on the lookout for various things that might cause the speed of the train to be further reduced.

Carl

[Anonymous]

jen, torpedoes are used to warn the crew of possible danger ahead. We don't use them anymore. We use fusees. If I remember right, you are to put 4 torpedoes on alternating rails 50 feet apart, so right rail 1, left rail 1 and so on. When you hit them, they blow up, sounding like an m-80. You are required to immediately reduce to restricted speed for two miles from the point that the first torpedoe went boom. I may be a little inaccurate, since we don't use them. A few old guys gave me a some. They are loud! I dropped a piece of steel on one from about ten feet up. Wow!
Ken

[CShaveRR]

They're used to startle a crew that's required to take action!

On the UP, we don't use them at all any more, since flagging isn't what it used to be. But if a train was stopped on the main line, the rear brakeman (often called a flagman for this very reason) would have to go back a specified distance to protect the train, which he did, armed with a flag, fusees, and torpedoes. When he was relieved from flagging, he would place two torpedoes on a rail a hundred feet or so apart (we later changed that so that pairs of torpedoes were placed on each rail), then he'd return to his train and they'd take off.

A following train, upon detonating these torpedoes (which are usually loud enough to be heard over any engine noises) was required to immediately reduce speed, looking out for trains or other obstructions, for a distance of two miles, after which it could resume normal speed. The rule did not specify how much the speed had to be reduced, so this was basically an attention-getting device.

[Mookie]

Starting a new thread - what ARE they used for?

Jen