RAILROAD SIGNALS of the U.S.

SWITCH HEATERS
on the SOUTHERN RWY (NS)
Clifton VA

This is a quaint little spot, located halfway between Fairfax and Manassas VA,

  They still have a general store next to the tracks, 
  And proudly display N&W caboose # 518590 adjacent to the tracks

These switch heaters heat the rails by direct contact with the side of the rail, and are fueled by propane due to their remote location.

Located in town is a set of crossovers and a small siding (looks pretty unused, maybe they had a lumber company there at some point in time),
There's a pair of signal bridges protecting the crossovers, one of which is in the signal bridge section,
The relay and equipment cabinets, and switch machine are located in their respective sections also.
All pictures taken on a beautifully clear day, Monday 082205.

For pictures of the switch machine, click HERE.
For pictures of the signal bridge, click HERE.
For pictures of the crossing gates in town, click HERE.
 

  One view of the heater strip with the gas supply shown

  A second shot of a gas connection

 




A shot looking down the rail showing the placement of the heater strip, the gas supply line is to the right of the photo.  The gas pipe appears to be 3/4" galvanized pipe (not black pipe, as there isn't that much rust on them, all things considered)

  Another gas connection, and wouldn't you know it, right where other stuff has to be

  The propane storage tank, with a couple of poles to protect it from stray cars and trucks

NEW 10/6/2006
Last changed: 07 Dec 2010