A coin-sized explosive device equipped with lead straps that a flagman bends around the head of the rail. When the wheel of an approaching locomotive crushes it, the torpedo detonates with a loud report that can be heard clearly inside the cab. It serves as an emergency audible warning to stop immediately or proceed at restricted speed, typically used to protect a disabled train ahead.
Heard on the job
The flagman walked back a mile and put down two torpedoes on the engineer's side to protect the rear.
Insider tip
Torpedoes are placed on the engineer's side of the track (the right rail) so the blast is as close to their window as possible.
Also heard as
- detonator