Object was glowing dull orange bent cylinder. Hovered noiselessly over RR tracks for a time, then took off straight up.

Object was seen in night sky, in approximately 1956,in Memphis, TN. Time of year was possibly fall (Sept. or Ot.). My mother and I witnessed this object hovering in the sky over the nearby railroad tracks. It appeared to be a dull orangish color, and glowed as if illuminated from within. I could clearly make out detail on the outside of the object, which was more or less cylindrical in shape, though jointed. (The closest known shape I could describe would be a fire hydrant-like shape). It hovered soundlessly for a short time, and then took off straight up, very fast.