These devices were used primarily in larger rail yards with dozens or hundreds of switches. The blowing effect was generated by the thrust of a small jet engine. They made short work of clearing ice out of frozen switches. Remote dual control (automatic or hand throw) main line switches usually have a heat source as part of the unit, which a train dispatcher can activate remotely to melt ice and snow. Other hand throw switches are cleaned on an as needed basis, normally by maintenance-of-way employees living the dream with ice chipper, broom and shovel.
These devices were used primarily in larger rail yards with dozens or hundreds of switches. The blowing effect was generated by the thrust of a small jet engine. They made short work of clearing ice out of frozen switches. Remote dual control (automatic or hand throw) main line switches usually have a heat source as part of the unit, which a train dispatcher can activate remotely to melt ice and snow. Other hand throw switches are cleaned on an as needed basis, normally by maintenance-of-way employees living the dream with ice chipper, broom and shovel.
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