Fastrax Industries, Inc., asked by the Denver and Rio Grande (Union Pacific)
Railroad, engineered and patented the flat electric heater and spring tension
clamp design that the company calls the Switchblade® and Flatfoot models.
"The Fastrax™ Switchblade and Flatfoot track switch heaters are the
ultimate in flat heaters," said David Reichle, President of Fastrax. Models
range from ¼ and 3/8 inch thickness and are available in various lengths
ranging from 6 to 42 feet.
The flat design allows for ultimate heat transfer efficiency which results in
very low operation cost. Fastrax exclusive XTC spring clamps which allow the
heater to move and still maintain contact with the rail surface are provided with
each flat heater. The Switchblade and Flatfoot's terminations are TIG welded
externally for added protection from moisture ingress. The heaters are made of
Stainless Steel for longer life.
