Explosive packets

[bobnsteam]

Guys,
A friend from Mexico tells me rail personnel in Mexico place thin explosive packets on rails
that explode on wheel contact. Anyone ever hear of this practice? For what purpose?
Bob

[Kevin Gilliam]

Guys,
A friend from Mexico tells me rail personnel in Mexico place thin explosive packets on rails
that explode on wheel contact. Anyone ever hear of this practice? For what purpose?
Bob

Probably torpedoes. Sounds like a gunshot when a train goes over them. Early signalling device used to warn an approaching train to stop in an era before radio communications. Still used at Durango & Silverton in Colorado.

[John Bohon]

Torpedoes. I agree with Kevin. It is a signaling device to tell a following train another is in front of it. The rule book takes over from there.

John Bohon

[Fitz]

Been in use for years and years. I remember them going off on the NYC when I was a kid, and I'll be 79 next week.

[bobnsteam]

Thanks guys for the posts, torpedos right. Trains magazine editor sent me video source.
WWW.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb15YI8i1SE

[Mark D]

Back when I was a brand new part of the Milwaukee Road 261 they were still carried in the cab. I don't recall when they disappeared, but I know they haven't been there for quite a number of years. I never heard one being used.
Mark D.