Hello, We cut rail on the Cumberland Rose Branch out of Creston, Iowa in 1973. it was against Federal law to use a cutting torch. We had a gas - powered saw but never had it with us. We cut rail by cold chiseling(large sledge and large chisel with wood handle to side ) a line completely around the cut or chisel top of the ball and notch the web on both sides. Either the chisel holder or the sledger got shrapnel from the chisel (wear googles or safety glasses and be prepared to take some steel) . After the line was deeply chiseled take a rope soaked in diesel or kerosene and lay it on the chisel line. Ignite and let it heat the line . You do not have to heat the rail, but rail needs to be cool. Rapidly cool with water or ice. With the rail end elevated and/or with a spike or short piece of rail behind the intended break , give it a solid hit with sledge and it should break. Worked every time for us. A 65 year old section foreman named Doc Hartman was our instructor. One of our chisel holders got a big chunk of steel in his arm. He showed the foreman. The foreman comment was, Its not close to your heart. He was a good foreman, not any ones mother. Shaun Kelley
