> a "torpedo" in this context and time was slang for a firecracker that was
> exploded by the weight of the train wheels. In theory, it did no damage.

A "torpedo" is also railroad slang for a small explosive device that would
be set out on the tracks to warn oncoming trains that another train was
unintentionally blocking the tracks (due to mechanical issue, accident,
etc.).  The noise would alert the crew that they needed to prepare to stop
quickly.

I am guessing that those are not often used now in the age of electronic
signals, radio, etc., but they were used in the steam era.

Since I would not expect a young child to be putting those on the track, I
could only assume it was firecrackers or the like because the author
mentioned that the 4th of July was soon.  Either that or the kid had got
ahold of some railroad explosive devices he should probably not have.

Mike


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