Test

A heavy cast-iron counterweight pinned the ground switch lever to the ballast. Step one: test mechanical throw. I unslung the burner assembly and stood it upright against the timber tie. I grounded both boots into the crushed granite, establishing a braced stance. Reached down with both gauntlets. Gripped the rusted iron sphere. Applied steady upward torque against the hinge pin. A harsh scrape of oxidized metal vibrated through my gloves. The arm broke free, swung past vertical, and dropped firmly into the opposite cradle with a resonant thud. The split rail point shifted two inches, seating flush against the running rail. Flange gap verified.