03-18-2011, 05:25 PM
A torpedo is a little explosive that is put on the rail and explodes when a train/engine runs over it. The bang of the explosion is a signal to the engineer of the engine.
Torpedo have been use a lot when trains run by time table and priority only. No block signals and no radio. When a train had to stop somewhere on the line it had to protect it's back because the next following train might run into it. Therefor the rear flag man had run the breaking distance behind the trains end with a red flag and placed a torpedo in the track. After that he could return to the caboose and the rear end was protected by the torpedo. A following train that run over the torpedo was notified by the bang and slowed down not to run into the back of the train ahead.
Torpedo have been use a lot when trains run by time table and priority only. No block signals and no radio. When a train had to stop somewhere on the line it had to protect it's back because the next following train might run into it. Therefor the rear flag man had run the breaking distance behind the trains end with a red flag and placed a torpedo in the track. After that he could return to the caboose and the rear end was protected by the torpedo. A following train that run over the torpedo was notified by the bang and slowed down not to run into the back of the train ahead.
Reinhard