Early Days of Snow Removal
Snow removal has been a crucial aspect of railroad operations for centuries. In the mid-19th century, railroads relied on manual labour to clear snow from the tracks.
Thousands of men were employed each winter to shovel snow, often in harsh conditions and with little protection from the elements. The work was physically demanding and exposed them to the harshest of winter conditions.
As a result, many workers succumbed to cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite. The task was not only gruelling, but also sometimes deadly.
The First Mechanized Snow Plows
The first attempts to mechanize snow removal came in the form of simple plows attached to the front of locomotives.
These early plows were often little more than steel plates or wooden wedges that pushed snow to the side of the tracks.
While they were an improvement over manual labour, they were limited in their effectiveness and often struggled to cope with heavy snowfalls.
The Invention of the Rotary Snowplow
It wasn’t until the invention of the rotary snowplow by Canadian inventor J.W. Elliot in 1869 that the industry began to see significant improvements in snow removal.
Elliot’s design used a spinning fan-like contraption to scoop up snow and throw it clear of the tracks.
The rotary snowplow was initially met with skepticism by railroads and manufacturers, but after a series of tests and modifications, it proved itself to be a game-changer in the fight against snow.
The Development of the Rotary Snowplow
Orange Jull, another Canadian inventor, improved upon Elliot’s design in the 1880s. Jull’s rotary snowplow featured a cutting blade positioned in front of the fan, which chopped up the incoming snow for easier removal.
The Leslie Brothers, a Canadian manufacturing company, built a working model of Jull’s design in 1884. This prototype underwent numerous tests, which helped identify areas for improvement.
Following a series of modifications, the rotary snowplow’s design was refined and perfected. Ultimately, it became a standard piece of equipment for railroads in North America.
The Golden Age of Rotary Snowplows
By the early 20th century, rotary snowplows had become a crucial part of railroad operations in Canada and the United States. They were a vital tool in the fight against snow and ice, allowing trains to run safely and efficiently.
Rotary snowplows were used to clear heavy snowfalls on transcontinental rail lines, including the Canadian Pacific Railway. They were also employed by the Union Pacific Railroad, which relied on the machines to keep its tracks clear.
The rotary snowplow played a key role in keeping the rails clear, even in the harshest winter conditions. As a result, trains were able to run on schedule, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and passengers across the continent.
Conclusion
The evolution of snow removal on the railroad was a long and winding road, marked by numerous challenges and breakthroughs. The journey was not an easy one, but it was ultimately rewarding.
The industry made significant strides in its efforts to keep the rails clear and trains running on schedule, progressing from the early days of manual labour to more mechanized methods. As the years passed, new technologies and techniques were developed, each one building on the last.
The culmination of these efforts was the development of the rotary snowplow, a machine that revolutionized snow removal on the railroads. This innovative device was a game-changer for the industry, allowing for faster and more efficient snow removal.
The rotary snowplow was a testament to Canadian ingenuity and innovation, and its impact on the railroad industry was felt for generations.
Its legacy continues to be celebrated as an important milestone in the history of railroading.
