Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating railroad rails enabling a convenient and efficient expansion of railroad rails is provided by selectively moving a heat source along a rail. The apparatus includes a frame carrying a heat source such as a series of gas fired burners which direct heat toward the rail to raise the temperature of the rail. The rail heater is provided with a set of wheels enabling the heater to be rolled along a rail while heating the rail. The wheels are mounted to subframes which are shiftably mounted to the frame to permit the heater to conform to the gauge of the rail on which it travels.