Flanger (railroad)

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A flanger clears the space between the rails, generally of ice and snow. This is important because if allowed to build up, it could seriously impede the motion of the train or even derail it. The flanger blade is lowered below the head of the rail, and so must be raised when the flanger comes to a switch or grade crossing. In regions were flangers are often used signs are posted alongside the tracks to alert the operators of this necessity.