"Pull A-Parts" happen in country where you get very low temps at night. Usually in snow country. You can go all summer just fine but the first very cold nights brings on the broken rails.

Heat kinks are another weather guided problem. The bad part, as already stated, it doesn't trip the track circuit. Most Road Masters know where they may happen and keep an eye on the area when high temps come a knocking.

And, of course, earthquakes do their job of kinking the rail. SP had earthquake detectors across from the depot in SLO and one in LA, somewhere. They would call all trains to stop and then at walking speed until cleared by the MofW.


Nudge