this post was submitted on 30 Jan 2024
114 points (99.1% liked)

What is this thing?

5746 readers
612 users here now

Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.

Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Stenciling says "6 & 7TH / PDE & 3RD" It's the only pink tie on this track.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] markstos 36 points 1 year ago (2 children)

It’s marking the joint between two track segments. Look just above it. On both tracks there’s a series of bolts indicating that two track segments have been bolted together.

Not sure why the other joints aren’t marked.

[–] perviouslyiner 12 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

if that was an insulated joint for track circuit separation there would be cables attached at each side and the two bolted plates would be aligned?

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You can see 3-4 wires connected on either side of the plates.

I'm not sure if those particular plates are insulating connections though. Doesn't really look like it, but I'm no expert on rail connections.

[–] perviouslyiner 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

good spot, those wires are smaller than I am used to seeing - so it is a track circuit boundary as well as whatever the pink means.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 year ago

Rail is most often welded together, not joined like this.

So you likely don't need more than one marking.