Comments on: What is It? Game 9. http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/ The Neat Side of the Web Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:59:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: GeneO http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-560380 GeneO Tue, 20 May 2008 19:59:03 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-560380 You can rest assured that the device in that photo is not a RR warning device! It couldn't possibly be heard by either the Engineer or Fireman on any train and a work crew would hear the engine long before they would hear any firearm "report" from a mile distance. A 22 Cal either blank or live round would probably not be heard at all from a mile away and for that reason the RR workers used what they called "Torpedos" to allert them to approaching trains. These were some type of plastic container about 3/8"thick and 2"X2" square, colored bright Red with a DANGER warning printed in White letters and had a Lead strip about 6" long X 3/16"thick and 3/8" wide adheared to the bottom. They were then filled with explosive powder and sealed tight. When the Section Car, or work car, was a predetermined distance from their assigned work spot they would stop and one of the "Gandy Dancers" would dismount and place 1 Torpedo upon the top of the rail by squeezing that Lead strap around the rail. They would then proceed on to thier work area. When a train came along and hit that Torpedo it naturally exploded with a "report" that could be heard by the engineer over the noises of that monstorous steam locomotive and by the work crew.. This report was as loud as a quarter stick of Dynomite and there were instances of kids being killed when they struck one with a stone or a hammer! When the "report" was heard everybody started doing what they needed to do to clear the track and the engineer slowed the train down to a safe speed.. As a kid, 1940 thru 45 we used to walk the L&N tracks in Wildie Ky and pick up those lead strips for the WW2 scrap metal drives. We would flatten it out and then roll it up like tape or cut it into smaller pieces to wrap around our fishing line as a sinker. The Torpedos were also used by the Brakeman riding in the caboose on a fraight train or a Conductor on a passenger train, to warn a follownig train to be on lookout for a train being stopped to take on water at one of those big trackside tanks.. They would place between 1 and 3 torps on the track. There would be a space between each Torp and that distance told the engeneer something about the train out in front of him..It would be like "bang"-------- "bang"--"bang" ...Or "bang""bang"------------"bang". It's amasing how that photo and caption brought out all those memories from so many years ago!! You can rest assured that the device in that photo is not a RR warning device! It couldn’t possibly be heard by either the Engineer or Fireman on any train and a work crew would hear the engine long before they would hear any firearm “report” from a mile distance. A 22 Cal either blank or live round would probably not be heard at all from a mile away and for that reason the RR workers used what they called “Torpedos” to allert them to approaching trains.
These were some type of plastic container about 3/8″thick and 2″X2″ square, colored bright Red with a DANGER warning printed in White letters and had a Lead strip about 6″ long X 3/16″thick and 3/8″ wide adheared to the bottom.
They were then filled with explosive powder and sealed tight.
When the Section Car, or work car, was a predetermined distance from their assigned work spot they would stop and one of the “Gandy Dancers” would dismount and place 1 Torpedo upon the top of the rail by squeezing that Lead strap around the rail. They would then proceed on to thier work area. When a train came along and hit that Torpedo it naturally exploded with a “report” that could be heard by the engineer over the noises of that monstorous steam locomotive and by the work crew..
This report was as loud as a quarter stick of Dynomite and there were instances of kids being killed when they struck one with a stone or a hammer!
When the “report” was heard everybody started doing what they needed to do to clear the track and the engineer slowed the train down to a safe speed..
As a kid, 1940 thru 45 we used to walk the L&N tracks in Wildie Ky and pick up those lead strips for the WW2 scrap metal drives. We would flatten it out and then roll it up like tape or cut it into smaller pieces to wrap around our fishing line as a sinker.
The Torpedos were also used by the Brakeman riding in the caboose on a fraight train or a Conductor on a passenger train, to warn a follownig train to be on lookout for a train being stopped to take on water at one of those big trackside tanks..
They would place between 1 and 3 torps on the track. There would be a space between each Torp and that distance told the engeneer something about the train out in front of him..It would be like “bang”——–
“bang”–”bang” …Or “bang”"bang”————”bang”.
It’s amasing how that photo and caption brought out all those memories from so many years ago!!

]]> By: Alex http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-73346 Alex Sat, 03 Feb 2007 05:53:27 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-73346 Doesn't seem like anyone know what this is: a weird railroad communication device. Doesn’t seem like anyone know what this is: a weird railroad communication device.

]]> By: BAM http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-73239 BAM Fri, 02 Feb 2007 22:13:28 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-73239 Could be a bell knocker ?!#* Could be a bell knocker ?!#*

]]> By: Barb http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-73141 Barb Fri, 02 Feb 2007 13:31:11 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-73141 Some type of rope pulley system?? Some type of rope pulley system??

]]> By: henry http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-73117 henry Fri, 02 Feb 2007 09:49:06 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-73117 looks like a quick tie down anchor for a blimp. looks like a quick tie down anchor for a blimp.

]]> By: Alex http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-73078 Alex Fri, 02 Feb 2007 06:23:10 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-73078 Can't be a bomb, Jglaffick - it has no LED or Mooninite! And igness: hahaha! Good guesses - but so far, nothing that sounds like the real answer! Come on - a free shirt awaits. Can’t be a bomb, Jglaffick – it has no LED or Mooninite! And igness: hahaha!

Good guesses – but so far, nothing that sounds like the real answer! Come on – a free shirt awaits.

]]> By: igness http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-73007 igness Fri, 02 Feb 2007 01:23:58 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-73007 It's a conversation piece for a top notch internet blog specializing in highly interesting articles and images. (Am I right? or What?) It’s a conversation piece for a top notch internet blog specializing in highly interesting articles and images. (Am I right? or What?)

]]> By: Chas Perry http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72968 Chas Perry Thu, 01 Feb 2007 23:18:48 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72968 Looks like it is designed to push into the end of a pipe and lock itself in place so as to give a tie loop to the end of the pipe. Looks like it is designed to push into the end of a pipe and lock itself in place so as to give a tie loop to the end of the pipe.

]]> By: pridesax http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72944 pridesax Thu, 01 Feb 2007 21:42:38 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72944 an instrument used by scientists that whould drag alog the ocean floor and collect materials. an instrument used by scientists that whould drag alog the ocean floor and collect materials.

]]> By: emawkc http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72923 emawkc Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:25:56 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72923 I agree. It's a piece of rigging of some sort, some kind of turnbuckle. I agree. It’s a piece of rigging of some sort, some kind of turnbuckle.

]]> By: edmt http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72921 edmt Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:10:36 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72921 it is the top of a plumb bob. it is the top of a plumb bob.

]]> By: Emily http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72911 Emily Thu, 01 Feb 2007 19:08:52 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72911 It's a part of a chain link fence gate. It’s a part of a chain link fence gate.

]]> By: Rob http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72910 Rob Thu, 01 Feb 2007 19:08:49 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72910 Its for swings Its for swings

]]> By: Tracy http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72897 Tracy Thu, 01 Feb 2007 18:15:50 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72897 It's a Turner Broadcasting advert mistook for a bomb in a major American city! It’s a Turner Broadcasting advert mistook for a bomb in a major American city!

]]> By: Paul http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72893 Paul Thu, 01 Feb 2007 18:07:12 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72893 It is the end of a lead line used for determining water depth from the deck of a boat. It is the end of a lead line used for determining water depth from the deck of a boat.

]]> By: Genevieve http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72892 Genevieve Thu, 01 Feb 2007 18:04:01 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72892 Its and anchor swivel. Its and anchor swivel.

]]> By: Jay http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72879 Jay Thu, 01 Feb 2007 17:24:45 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72879 It's a plumb bob. The bottom portion moves to dampen the swinging of the bob and bring it to a stop faster. It’s a plumb bob. The bottom portion moves to dampen the swinging of the bob and bring it to a stop faster.

]]> By: FanTent http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72813 FanTent Thu, 01 Feb 2007 15:56:34 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72813 It looks like the joint between a spinnaker pole and the mast on an oldish sailboat. It looks like the joint between a spinnaker pole and the mast on an oldish sailboat.

]]> By: ethicalBob http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72806 ethicalBob Thu, 01 Feb 2007 15:28:20 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72806 It looks like the counterweight that is used in older or wooden windows - they were housed in the thicker frames in along side the panes of glass. they made raising the windows easier, while preventing them from closing too quickly due to the weight of the heavier pane design. It looks like the counterweight that is used in older or wooden windows – they were housed in the thicker frames in along side the panes of glass. they made raising the windows easier, while preventing them from closing too quickly due to the weight of the heavier pane design.

]]> By: Brad http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72797 Brad Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:59:20 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72797 An anchor for a model ship An anchor for a model ship

]]> By: Brian http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72795 Brian Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:54:12 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72795 A tie weight for sailboats A tie weight for sailboats

]]> By: bobt http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72773 bobt Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:11:56 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72773 it is the "ringer" from inside of a bell. it is the thing that makes the bell ring. i think it is called a "claxon" it is the “ringer” from inside of a bell. it is the thing that makes the bell ring. i think it is called a “claxon”

]]> By: Jeremiah http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72755 Jeremiah Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:20:07 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72755 It's what dentists use on abortionists as revenge for the death of prospective patients. It’s what dentists use on abortionists as revenge for the death of prospective patients.

]]> By: Genevieve http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72752 Genevieve Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:08:20 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72752 Its an old cleat for a ship. Its an old cleat for a ship.

]]> By: Landtat http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72733 Landtat Thu, 01 Feb 2007 11:45:39 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72733 Let me explain, back in the day when ropes\lines were everywhere on a boat\ship, some were tied off but many others needed quick access. With this when the lines were sent thru, the natural weight of the line would pull the lower part upwards and "lock" the line in place. When line length needed to be changed a simple pull would again move the lower part free of the lines for easy pulling. Let me explain, back in the day when ropes\lines were everywhere on a boat\ship, some were tied off but many others needed quick access. With this when the lines were sent thru, the natural weight of the line would pull the lower part upwards and “lock” the line in place. When line length needed to be changed a simple pull would again move the lower part free of the lines for easy pulling.

]]> By: Jglaffick http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72730 Jglaffick Thu, 01 Feb 2007 11:35:16 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72730 Red alert! It's a BOMB! Red alert! It’s a BOMB!

]]> By: Jon http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72703 Jon Thu, 01 Feb 2007 11:14:59 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72703 Metal pouring device used for jewelry making. Metal pouring device used for jewelry making.

]]> By: HYPERiON http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72673 HYPERiON Thu, 01 Feb 2007 08:41:06 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72673 it's a universal joint, like in the driveshaft of cars it’s a universal joint, like in the driveshaft of cars

]]> By: Landtat http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72672 Landtat Thu, 01 Feb 2007 08:40:41 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72672 It's a rope lock for ships\boats. It’s a rope lock for ships\boats.

]]> By: carson http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72669 carson Thu, 01 Feb 2007 08:16:26 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72669 It looks like a tiny bell mount, the link between the bell and the rope. It looks like
a tiny bell mount,
the link between the bell and the rope.

]]> By: beajerry http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/comment-page-1/#comment-72661 beajerry Thu, 01 Feb 2007 07:41:17 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/02/01/what-is-it-game-9/#comment-72661 It looks like it spills something out of the hole when it is lowered down into something... Gunpowder loader for a cannon? It looks like it spills something out of the hole when it is lowered down into something…
Gunpowder loader for a cannon?

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