Re: Switching Rules?

I've never heard of this one. As the cut levers only work on one side of a freight car, which knuckle you opened would depend on what side of the track your on. Generally speaking you want to work on the side the engineer's on, so he can see you pass signals (no radios allowed on the narrow gauge!!!), not to mention general safety. Of course there are times when you have to cross to the other side because of curves or clearance problems. Some roads I've worked with wanted you to open both knuckles when switching. With both knuckles open, coupler alignment is not as critical, but I found you had to hit the cars harder to get both pins to fall. With one knuckle open, you didn't have to smack 'em so hard. Not a big deal with a cut a of hoppers, but something to consider with a passenger train.
Where did you hear this, Bill?