Over-all length

Over-all width

Over-all height

Type of filling

Weight of filling

Total weight

The mine consists of two parts; the explosive container and the housing for the ratchet mechanism. A hinged wooden device with the leather strap is provided for carrying the mine. The wooden base is screwed to the base of the mine, and a loop in the strap holds the ratchet winding key.

The explosive container of the mine is fitted with a short skirt which is a sliding fit over the upper portion of the housing. The two parts are attached to each other by two bolts and held apart by two springs, which are canvas-covered to insure their free movement when buried below ground. The bolt heads are protected by the covers.

Through the top of the housing, projects a spring-loaded plunger, which operates the ratchet mechanism. The striker, which initiates the detonation of the mine, is retained by a ratchet wheel having 60 teeth on its periphery. This latter may by set to release the striker after any desired number up to 59 depressions of the explosive container. The setting is made by the use of a key inserted in the hole situated below the setting ob-servation window in the side of him.

The mine is designed for use under railway tracks, and the ingenious use of lead shot in the hollow spring-loaded platform insures a continuous rigid contact between the explosi-ve container and the underside of the railway sleeper or rail. The lead shot is inserted before laying the mine by removal of the screw in the center of the platform. The plat-form is released, when the mine has been positioned, by removing the retaining pin.

Repeated operations of the ratchet mechanism by successive wheels of the same train is obviated by means of a delayed return of the ratchet pawl.

Figure 238
Ratchet Mine (Railroad Mine)