A Wisconsin Central welder has just lit off a thermite weld pot on the WC main line at Duplainville, Wisconsin, on March 23, 1996. A one-time-use form is attached to the rails surrounding the joint, and molten iron heated to an incredibly hot temperature in a reaction crucible located directly above is poured into the form, creating the weld. Note the weld they just did on the near rail to the right. It still needs to some finishing with a grinder to remove flash left over from the pour. Today, these thermite welds don’t seem to have quite as much of a spectacular reaction, perhaps due to a redesign in the crucible.
Photo albums dedicated to the Men, and Women that keep the Railroad running around the clock 365 days a year. From Dispatcher to Track Gangs, these are the people that make the railroad moves!
