Why did the railroad come up with this name

[Andrew1990]

Derail?



Why would the railroad name a switch "DeRail"? Doesn't that mean to take the train off the track?

I just kind of found this pretty funny.

 

[IronWing]

That is the function of that piece of equipment. It is a derailer, designed to run trains off the track. They are put in place as safety blocks where the tracks are being worked on. The purpose is to prevent trains from running through work zones, running into parked trains, or running places the railroad doesn't want them to go.

 

[quackerww]

It is french for "of Rail"... Observational Humor.

 

[Andrew1990]

Originally posted by: ironwing
That is the function of that piece of equipment. It is a derailer, designed to run trains off the track. They are put in place as safety blocks where the tracks are being worked on. The purpose is to prevent trains from running through work zones, running into parked trains, or running places the railroad doesn't want them to go.

Oh, that would explain it pretty much then. I was wondering why trains never went down that track?

 

[Slimline]

I wouldnt want to be doing 50 and see one of those little blue circles coming....

 

[IronWing]

Originally posted by: Slimline
I wouldnt want to be doing 50 and see one of those little blue circles coming....

I guess it's time for bed. I thought the blue circle and lettering was photoshopped in to identify the piece in question. I went back and looked again after your post.

 

[Born2bwire]

It's just like the "Wings On/Off" button that you find on all passenger planes.

 

[LTC8K6]

ReRail:

http://www.sharpesafety.com/catalog/images/2/2502.jpg

 

[biggestmuff]

Originally posted by: LTC8K6
ReRail:

http://www.sharpesafety.com/catalog/images/2/2502.jpg

I'll have to buy a set of these for next April! LOL