Know anything about a railroad torch?

I have come across an item that I think is called a railroad torch. I found something very much like it on the net.

The one I have seen is as follows > is made of time > has a long straight handle > has a pot to hold keroseen or oil > has a spout with a thick cord like wick running the length of the spout > in raised letters on botton CNR.

Anyone know what they were used for? Anyone know what they are worth today?

Such torches were often used to melt the snow and ice that would block switch points in the winter.