Steam-powered snowplow

**Jon** · Dec 26, 2016, 12:05 PM

This Xrot 9213 steam-powered snowplow is operated by the Rhaetian Railway, a large Swiss transport company. The Rhaetian Railway claims that this is the only steam-powered snowplow in the world.

In action at 1:17 below.

Previously:

Steam shovel GIF
Scale model working Lombard Steam Log Hauler build
Lombard steam log hauler
Steam-powered submarine
1901 steam-powered lawnmower
Hornsby mammoth steam crawler tractor
1900 restored Fowler steam traction engine
Steam-powered tanks
Steam locomotive drag racing
Steam-powered machine shop

**kangadrill** · Jan 1, 2017, 07:05 PM

There is at least one or maybe two in Skagway, AK. See photo.

Steam-powered snowplow-img_3949-snowblower-60prcnt.jpg

**Okapi** · Jan 2, 2017, 07:09 AM

Hi Kanga, it seems that's the same construction, the biggest difference between the two is the altitude of function, Skagway is near the sea level, the Rhätisches Bahn is at the high about 2'000 meters over the sea, for the curiosity on the 350km. total length they are not less than 144 bridges and 42 tunnels…
This train is clasified at the UNESCO inheritance for the lanscapes and those architectural constructions, it functions since about 130 years.

**EdSlc** · Dec 31, 2017, 02:13 PM

There are two narrow gauge (3-ft gauge) steam rotary snowplows at Chama, New Mexico, USA. At least one is operational and is used to clear the line from Chama east to Antonito, CO, each Spring. Search YouTube for "Cumbres and Toltec rotary snow plow" for videos of the action. They are ex-D&RG machines.

**Jon** · Jan 25, 2019, 01:35 PM

Snowplow train clears a drift with a Jordan spreader. 3:33 video:

More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spreader_(railroad)

**Jon** · Feb 13, 2019, 04:48 PM

**mklotz** · Feb 13, 2019, 05:49 PM

The big red wheel is powered by an onboard steam engine but that same engine doesn't propel the plow. The plow can't move itself; the diesels behind it are pushing it along the track.

Just watched an Humongous Moves episode about trailoring one of those monster plows up Train Mountain in Oregon where it will be put on display. That's where I learned the above.

**Jon** · Apr 22, 2019, 01:25 PM

Look at this little guy! Also, I guess because of the synchronization of the framerate and the snowblower, we get to see it shoot out the snow (that's real snow, right?) like little cotton balls.

**nhengineer** · Apr 23, 2019, 11:34 AM

Pretty cool.

**mklotz** · Apr 23, 2019, 08:21 AM

I've seen a lot of impressive model train layouts but never anything like that.

Do you have any information on where it is located, internet presence, etc.. ? I'd love to learn more about it.