Exploding WDM 3A.   #wdm3a
Channel: Flights & Trains
Date: 2022-09-11

WDM 3A locomotive running over multiple railway detonators.

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About Railway Detonators

A railway detonator (torpedo in North America) is a coin-sized device that is used as a loud warning signal to train drivers. It is placed on the top of the rail, usually secured with two lead straps, one on each side. When the wheel of the train passes over, it explodes, emitting a loud bang. It was invented in 1841 by English inventor Edward Alfred Cowper.

Typical uses of detonators include:

A warning, caution or stop signal in dense fog, when signals are difficult to see

A warning of a train stopped on the line ahead by an incident or accident—the train crew are usually responsible for placing the detonators

A warning of ongoing engineering works ahead

When a signaller or other railway employee requires to stop approaching trains in an emergency

To alert crews working on the rails if a silent runaway train or train carriage is approaching

On a high-speed line, detonators may need to be placed on both rails.

As with all explosives, detonators can become unstable over time and must, therefore, be replaced regularly.

They are triggered by pressure, rather than impact. This makes them safe during transport, as they normally cannot detonate in a bag or storage container.