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To: nickcarraway

Okay may be a stupid question, but what about that whole 3rd rail thing?


16 posted on 12/30/2012 5:45:22 PM PST by Hope for the Republic (The 1st amendment is protected by the 2nd amendment)
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To: Hope for the Republic
but what about that whole 3rd rail thing?

The third rail is on the outside (could be either side though) of the main rails. It typically has a wood or other insulator covering, is mounted on insulated stand-offs and is energized at a nominal 600 volt d.c. in reference to the main rails. The pick-up mechanism on the train, a sort of paddle like device contacts this rail to pick up the power for the traction motors. There is minimal clearance between the main rail and the third rail, and minimal clearance under the pick-up device. If you were to fall and land between the main and third rail it would be a miracle if you did not get crispy fried..

In many stations and for portions of the right of way there is a gap between the ties of the main rails that provides a depression that in a best case scenario would allow for a person caught on the tracks for whatever reason to lie down in this depression with, again in best case scenario, sufficient room for the trainset to pass overhead without contacting the body.

I do not recommend testing the clearance using your own body.

19 posted on 12/30/2012 7:12:54 PM PST by NoCmpromiz (John 14:6 is a non-pluralistic comment.)
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To: Hope for the Republic

Okay may be a stupid question, but what about that whole 3rd rail thing?


You should be alright as long as you don’t pee on it.


20 posted on 12/30/2012 7:15:41 PM PST by Rides_A_Red_Horse (Fair is a place you go to eat cotton candy and step in monkey poop)
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