In my opinion, one of the best ways to experience the LIRR is through snow. Not only is it beautiful, picturesque, but there's almost nothing better then looking over the edge of the platform at Jamaica on a cold, snowy morning and seeing the interlocking glowing. Wait, what? Why is the interlocking glowing?
When snow and ice tighten their grip, the LIRR will "fire up" dozens of heaters under the switches formally known as "switch heaters" to prevent the ice and slush from getting the best of the switches. These heaters play a silent, yet essential role in maintaining the rush hours. One disabled switch at let's say, Hicksville, for example, can cause one branch or even the entire rush hour to go down FAST!
For a casual commuter, the site of a switch heater may look very alarming, however, it turns out that it's very normal for the switches to look like their on fire while the heater is on.
Here are a couple of switch heaters at Jamaica in action (credit to NYC Subway Life):
 |
| Credit to NYC Subway Life |
 |
| Credit to NYC Subway Life |
 |
| Credit to NYC Subway Life |
 |
Credit to the MTA/Facebook
|
These days, many of the switch heaters on the LIRR are actually electric. They are made up of very high resistance metal bars that are bolted to both sides of the actual rail. One end is tied to the third rail through a knife switch, and the other is grounded to the rail.
Most of the switch heaters are activated onsite, while some are remote controlled. The gas-powered ones were much less reliable, and the gas was cheap. Today, they run using natural gas that is provided by the ulity companies and the gas is supplied to the heaters by a one-and-a-half inch pipe. Still, the gas heaters are unreliable. They can be blown out by wind, and then they have to be re-lit. Which, isn't exactly easy during a bad snowstorm or during the middle of rush hour.
Trackmen use "switch oil" to thaw out frozen switches. "Switch oil" is Hexane, which is a hydrocarbon oil that is dumped along the rail from a can that looks like a flower watering can. Another trackmen will follow with a brazing broom and soak up the stuff which then is used to light the switches, effectively de-icing the switch.
The electric heaters are normally maintained by the signal department, while gas heaters by the Building and Bridges department.
While we're on the subject of ice and snow on the rails, let's talk about another common phenomenon that is seen.
I'll send the link to the video, but as you can see this NYC Subway train was making crackling noises as it was at 52 Street. Then as it began to depart, the contact shoe kinda lit on fire a bit and sparks came up. This is also a normal thing, as the snow, ice, and salt can cause it.
In conclusion, switch heaters are a very imperative piece of railroad infrastucure that you should thank for getting to your job ontime during one of those snowy mornings that we all love. The concept of switch heaters has been around for hundreds of years, and it's evidence that many of the oldest pieces of railroad technology are some of the most reliable. Next time you see a switch on fire, please make sure to not call the fire department!
