The Cellar Image of the Day

xoxoxoBruce Saturday Dec 10 08:50 PM

Dec 11th, 2016: Philly Track Grinder

Quote:

Well, this wild looking vehicle is not from Mars, but with such odd-looking lines, at first glance, you might think that is where
it originated from. This machine photographed in May of 1940 is a Rail Grinder that was used to grind imperfections in trolley
car rails in the city of Philadelphia. In use the machine is moved by an electric car truck with wheels and motor; the rubber
covered steel wheels, powered by a gasoline engine are used to move the machine out of the way of oncoming trolleys.

Quote:

According to an article in the “Electric Railway Journal” Volume 38, published in 1911, in time the joint between each rail becomes
“cupped in use” by the trolley wheels. When a wheel leaves one rail, “it batters and cups” the second rail at and past the joint
due to the weight of the car and the action of the wheels. With a rail grinder, the damaged areas can be ground smooth
again and extend the life of the railway.

Pretty fancy rig, but must have worked.

Griff Sunday Dec 11 01:24 PM

pretty dang cool

xoxoxoBruce Sunday Dec 11 02:32 PM

They started using them before 1908, but this is obviously a newer model.

Gravdigr Sunday Dec 11 03:19 PM

Obviously.

classicman Sunday Dec 11 08:58 PM

Gotta say, that the design reminds me of a VW bus.

burns334 Wednesday Dec 14 10:44 AM

All good and I love the rear view mirror

Gravdigr Sunday Dec 18 03:08 PM

Philly Track Grinder - sounds like a sammich.

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