Hi-Ball Kerosene switch (railroad track) heater

[M35A2]

I picked up this surplus Hi-Ball heater. They are used to keep railroad track switches from freezing. In use, the flame is positioned underneath the rail at the switch points. While mine is used, apparently they are available new from railroad supply companies.

The heater holds 3 gallons of kerosene and is rated to burn 75 to 100 hours on a tank. They are a bit smoky but with the wick set just right, not too bad at all. I like the compact size, shape not conducive to tipping, easy storage and indestructible design.

These units are made by MISSCO out of St. Louis. Very nice people to deal with.

I am contemplating using it as a heater in appropriate situations. I'm thinking of building a sleeve, closed on top and with vent holes on the sides, that fits around the 'chimney'. This would provide a surface for radiant heat, and perhaps warming a drink.

Has anyone used one of these?

This is what it looks like:



And I'll bet that it would work well with my favorite trail coffee pot:

 

[Haf-E]

Never have seem one like that - somewhat similar to an orchard heaters / smug post that we used to use camping in scouts - just a lot smaller.

1 gallon of Kerosene has 135,000 BTUs - so 3 gallons would have about 400,000. If it ran for 80 hours (to make the math easy) that would be 5,000 BTU/hour - which is the same about as a normal 1500 watt plug-in heater. The only difference is that some of the heat will need to go out the flue for ventilation... still not too bad.

 

[M35A2]

Never have seem one like that - somewhat similar to an orchard heaters / smug post that we used to use camping in scouts - just a lot smaller.

1 gallon of Kerosene has 135,000 BTUs - so 3 gallons would have about 400,000. If it ran for 80 hours (to make the math easy) that would be 5,000 BTU/hour - which is the same about as a normal 1500 watt plug-in heater. The only difference is that some of the heat will need to go out the flue for ventilation... still not too bad.

Yup, the conversion is even better since the generator generating those 1500 watts is probably only 30% efficient. I'm going to give it a try once I get a new wick (the old one is boogered).

 

[StreetsofCompton]

I'm a railroader here in Atlanta. Obviously, we don't have Temps appropriate for such a tool, just curious if you work for a RR yourself?

 

[M35A2]

Nope, but I do love trains. Found this at a yard sale.