Mattapan Snow Blower

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massac ... t_weather/

Here's a short video and an article on the jet blower in today's edition.

900 gallons of fuel in one run! HOLY MOLEY!

That does seem like quite a bit of fuel. I wish they had used it on Friday though. I would have liked to have been able to see it in action.

900 gallons of fuel?! This is better then maintaining a type 3 plow why?

danib62 wrote:900 gallons of fuel?! This is better then maintaining a type 3 plow why?

Because plows dont melt ice. 2000 degree jet engines do.

So then explain to me what is the benefit of melting the snow vs just pushing it out of the way that is worth 900 gallons of fuel.

danib62 wrote:So then explain to me what is the benefit of melting the snow vs just pushing it out of the way that is worth 900 gallons of fuel.

It looks cooler for PR. -_-

Doesn't the Red Line have a diesel snowblower? Keep it at Ashmont and use the connection to the Mattappan for easily access to both?

4326 - Jet Snow Blower - Portec - 1978

04444 - Snow Blower - Idaho-Northern - 1987

danib62 wrote:So then explain to me what is the benefit of melting the snow vs just pushing it out of the way that is worth 900 gallons of fuel.

A jet also cleans deep between the rails whereas a plow only clears off the top layer. The less snow left the less chance it'll get sucked into the car and fry it.

TheJollyRailfan wrote:

danib62 wrote:So then explain to me what is the benefit of melting the snow vs just pushing it out of the way that is worth 900 gallons of fuel.

A jet also cleans deep between the rails whereas a plow only clears off the top layer. The less snow left the less chance it'll get sucked into the car and fry it.

It can also melt ice away from switches, which is critical for keeping any railroad running of course.

Switch heaters are pretty good at that as well, and much cheaper to operate.

CRail wrote:Switch heaters are pretty good at that as well, and much cheaper to operate.

You know, I'd never seen one in operation until pulling into north station last Friday morning. I had no idea they basically set switches on fire to keep them clear. It was an interesting "what the..." moment.

CRail wrote:Switch heaters are pretty good at that as well, and much cheaper to operate.

I'm sure they are, but that doesn't mean this thing hasn't also served that purpose when push comes to shove.

PCC's are fine for snow ! They ran for 65 years in the stuff ! The T guys have the covers to the relays removed for accesibility. Put the covers back on and run a car all night during a storm. Take a Type 3 plow or two back from Seashore to supplement. No problemo !