Dec 11th, 2016: Philly Track Grinder

[xoxoxoBruce]

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.

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.