This is what happens when rails are subjected to intense heat. The "sulphite bridge" in Franklin, New Hampshire, is a wooden covered bridge structure typical to New England. It was built in 1896. The last train crossed it in 1973. A fire inside the bridge on October 27, 1980, which is believed to have been arson, damaged the entire structure. The charred bridge trusses remain standing, however; and these bent rails tell the story of the intense heat that scorched the ancient timbers — which neither collapsed during the fire nor in the thirty years and counting since the fire occurred. The "sulphite bridge" got its name because this line primarily carried goods to and from nearby paper mills. Be sure to check photo no. 435049 for another view of this bridge!
