Winter is Coming 

Thermon offers the Hellfire 400, 900 and 905 packages for tackling winter-related issues on the track.

Thermon

ATLANTA –– From the September 2024 Issue of Railway Track & Structures. From frozen switches to ice on the rails, railroads need a plan in place to combat the effects of the winter season.

A spotlight feature on Winter Maintenance in the middle of the scorching August heat may seem counterintuitive, but as Tayler Grande from Thermon told RT&S, “We recommend maintainers begin firing up their systems earlier rather than later in the season to beat the initial storms that typically begin in the fall.” Preparation is the name of the game. 

As we move from the heat to cooler seasons in North America, the focus in track maintenance shifts to include cold-weather solutions. We have seen blizzards and ice storms ravage rail networks and impede operations. For the safety of freight and passenger trains, railroads need specialized equipment to combat ice and snow that settles and freezes on the tracks. To keep the right-of-way clear, these suppliers offer their best in winter maintenance. 

When it comes to navigating different areas and landscapes, the Pettibone Speed Swing 445F2 is compatible with dozens of attachments, including some options specifically designed to clear snow from railways and surrounding areas. Mitch Fedie, Account Manager, Rail Products told RT&S, “For heavy-duty snow removal, a standard Speed Swing unit can be equipped with snow buckets and adjustable V-plows. A sweeper-broom attachment is commonly used to brush the snow off switches. A track-cleaning bucket can be used to clean snow off tracks via built-in notches that slide over each rail as the bucket advances.” 

Pettibone Speed Swing for snow removal/Photo by Pettibone

The 445F2 can travel up to 25 mph on hi-rail and 20 mph with all-terrain rubber tires. The tires afford greater maneuverability off the rails to simplify winter maintenance tasks. For operation in colder climates, Pettibone offers diesel heating systems for the Speed Swing. The system can be programmed to start the engine at a specific time before work is scheduled to begin. This ensures the machine is ready to go – with the engine, hydraulics an inside of the cab all properly heated – without idling overnight and burning costly fuel. Users can also take advantage of cold-weather fluids. Gear oil and hydraulic fluids that are less viscous will perform better in cold temperatures. Customers can specify cold-weather packages from the factory. 

Thermon’s products play a critical role in maintaining clear railway switches. Ice and snow on the tracks are a major cause of winter delays and its Fastrax and Hellfire snow clearing devices help eliminate interruptions due to frozen switches. Thermon told RT&S, “We are dedicated to enabling the safe and timely delivery of passengers and goods. Our experienced staff is fully trained in rail heating package installation techniques and providing full engineering support with the best possible heating solutions for our customers.” 

Thermon offers a wide array of products including but not limited to the Hellfire 400, 900 and 905 packages, high velocity cold air blowers, Fastrax electric Switchblade elements complete with control panel setup, hot box detector systems and platform heaters. These are designed to clear ice and snow from heel to point of switch to ensure less down time for railroads and those who maintain the switches. 

RECo’s service extends beyond just the sale of its units. It offers detailed installation and technical support, covering everything from gas and electrical connections to seasonal adjustments which ensure peak performance throughout the winter. Regular maintenance is crucial for these systems. RECo provides thorough guidelines on essential tasks like motor greasing, low-pressure regulator adjustments, and general troubleshooting. It also has a 24/7 technical support line ensuring that its customers can always operate their systems with confidence. RECo says, “Our commitment to safety and efficiency makes our products a reliable choice for maintaining clear and operational railway tracks during snowy conditions.”