TZUTC: -0500   
   MSGID: 777.englisht@1:2320/105 2229cdbc   
   REPLY: 1:153/7715.0 dc3c95d1   
   PID: Synchronet 3.17c-Linux  Jul  6 2019 GCC 6.3.0   
   TID: SBBSecho 3.07-Linux r3.117 Jul  6 2019 GCC 6.3.0   
   > 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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