I have to credit Monty Python, I hope I already did. But as someone else pointed out, Britian already is one huge ongoing Monty Python skit. Of course there are touches of Black Adder thrown in the mix as well. Here in the State of Florida, in order to obtain fireworks for the 4th or other big bang events we must sign an affidavit stating we are using the fireworks for either:
a. Scaring birds from our crops.
b. Signaling trains of some danger ahead
c. using them in construction. There may be more choices but I quite forget the rest. We always chose A and B. Pertaining that we are trying to keep the trains away from savage birds which are at that moment attacking our crops.
Course the only thing growing in our farm is some sandspurs and a very, very sad looking eugenia bush. But the law must be obeyed.
Does anyone know if track torpedoes are still used? They were like tiny land mines with metal tabs attached that could be anchored to the rail by a rear brakeman flagging behind a train stopped on the main line. The brakie would plant a couple when he was called back to the caboose, and any following train would set them off with a bang loud enough to alert a drowsy engineer. Since trains don't seem to carry brakemen any more, I doubt if torpedoes are still provided. Besides, they were dangerous! (sarcasm)