Re: What is it ? Snifter valve ?

The following story was related to me by former brakeman John Bates.

The Sumpter Valley was handling log cars belonging to some of the lumber companies, and the maintenance on these cars was suspect. One day a man in business suit was looking over the train as it was about to depart. He said "you guys are setting hand brakes aren't you", to which Bates replied "darn right we're setting hand brakes". The man then showed his ICC identification saying "We'll see about that, I'm going to ride over the hill with you". According to John, the next day there were car-toads all over the hills.