Detonators/Signal torpedoes?

Question

In New Zealand, the use of Rail Detonators was commonplace. These were about the size of an enlargened 50cent piece (old style, before Labour Party decided on such miserably-sized pieces ), round, and red in colour. With a green strip to attach to the rail. Are these still used ? And if so; where, and in which Countries ?

I hope that nobody gets into their head, that these are toys. You would lose your arm if you were stupid enough to strike these with a Hammer.

Answer 1

Since the advent of radio communications and block signals. Torpedoes are a thing of the past here in the States.

Answer 2

Yup.  

In the US, torpedoes are still used daily for a multitude of purposes, such as calling attention to flags, to alert crews to an unknown obstruction ahead, etc.

Their use is specific.  Two torpedoes, 100' apart, right hand side in direction of movement.  In snowy conditions, they are to be placed on both rails.  In addition to other uses, when a train has to leave a part behind for whatever reason, the torpedoes will be placed 1/4 mile from the portion of the train that has been left, so that when returning, it alerts the crew to ensure against running into ones own train.

The explosion of torpedoes requires that the train operate at "restricted speed" for a distance of 2 miles.  Restricted speed is a speed that will permit stopping within 1/2 the range of vision, short of train, engine, railroad car, derail or switch not properly lined or other obstruction, looking out for broken rail and not exceeding 20 MPH.

You are quite right.  They are not toys and are compression activated.  Here in the US, they resemble an overgrown "ravioli," with metal bands that allow for attachment to the rail.  Of course these can become projectiles when the torpedo explodes, which makes them potentially lethal in the wrong hands.