Page:Popular Mechanics 1928 11.pdf/60

Soon after the fire has been dumped in a locomotive at the end of a run, an inspector climbs into the fire box to make a thorough examination of flues and other parts. His job is one of the hottest in the entire work of railroading, yet, after training, the inspector can remain inside the torrid chamber for twenty or thirty minutes and longer without harmful results at all seasons of the rear. The chief reason that he must enter the box when he does, is that there is not time to allow the engine to cool off before it is again needed for service. Inspecting boilers is just one of the unusual jobs around the railroad, where scores of different occupations are included in the diversified operation of a large system. A big railroad's roster will include farmers, Y.M.C.A. secretaries and aviators, besides the expected quotas of firemen, engineers, conductors and the like. The Pennsylvania railroad, for instance, hires a number of deep-sea divers in connection with the operation of its ferries and other craft.

Distress signals are now registered on automatic receivers installed on several British boats so that operators do not have to sit constantly on the watch with earphones on their heads, awaiting a possible SOS. The automatic alarm has changed the method of sending the signal. Before a steamer gives the distress call, twelve four-second dashes are tapped off the transmitter with a one-second space between each dash. The automatic receiver revolves a selector apparatus on the receipt of these dashes, which causes three bells to sound, two in the wireless rooms and the third on the bridge. Thus aroused, the operator listens for the familiar SOS call and the position of the ship sending it.

To further protect grade crossings and prevent automobile accidents at such places, an Illinois inventor has introduced a simple device whereby cars sound an alarm bell at the side of the road as they approach the railroad tracks. This is accomplished by striking a small bar which projects partly across the pavement or road where it is sure to be run over by an approaching car. The alarm can be placed sufficiently far from the crossing to provide an adequate warning, and is expected to be of special service at night and when there is a fog.