NYC Weed Burner

rhensley_anderson Sep 6, 2008

  1. rhensley_anderson

    rhensley_anderson TrainBoard Supporter

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    Something a little different, a weed burner in 1950.
    Lawrence Baggerly Collection.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Interesting, and overcomes any concerns about chemical weed killers. Of course, it might have been hard on old ties, like igniting them....:tb-err:

    It reminds me of a similar contraption with a jet engine mounted pointed down the Central tried for melting snow from all the switches north of GCT, especially in Mott Haven Yard. It worked great for melting the snow, but it burned so much fuel, and it needed 2-3 engines to keep it from pushing backwards, that it was considered a financial failure. The Central determined that it was cheaper to pay crews overtime to clear switches by hand. :tb-smile:
     
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Fire breathing dragons! They've always fascinated me. I wonder about any associated sounds?

    Boxcab E50
     
  4. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    Roger, do you think Larry would give us more info on this machine? The flame looks like the old "white gas" blowtorches from back in that time. :tb-biggrin:
     
  5. rhensley_anderson

    rhensley_anderson TrainBoard Supporter

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    Sure. Give him a call.
     
  6. Nuts4Trains

    Nuts4Trains TrainBoard Member

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    I remember (and have) the NYC advertisement for that one! The engine was off a B57 bomber!

    Here is one I did not know about until now, more modern, and less dangerous?

    http://membrane.com/~elmer/rail/snow/misc/nyc01.jpg

    Don't know how that worked on snow, but it must have gotten there FAST!!!
     
  7. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    Never have seen that one before. Anyone know any more details about it? :tb-confused:
     
  8. Mike Kmetz

    Mike Kmetz TrainBoard Member

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    I saw that picture in one of my reference books. I had to dig it out (my books are still in boxes). You can see that picture if you have "NYC Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment" by David R. Sweetland and Robert J. Yanosey, published by Morning Sun Books.

    It shows new jet snow blower DSI-20 posed in front of the Despatch (DSI) East Rochester Shops where it was built (January 1967). It has one large fuel tank. Other jet snow blowers are shown on adjoining pages. --Mike
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 9, 2009
  9. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Love to see photos of DS1-20 in operation, and/or see its specs. I agree with Bob that it would have gotten to its work site very fast. Though, not having any lights, it would need a loco in front. Of course the loco would be in neutral with brakes released and the engineer just along for the ride....but what a ride!!!!! Oh yeh, he might have to blow the horn occasionally.
     

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