Re: M for Mike

Hi,

This era on the D&RG predates ladders. This plan for the 14' 4-wheel box cars shows the two small platforms the breakman had to climb up in the end view.



In this photo of 8-wheel box car 2899, you can see the non-brake wheel end. The two small platforms were there for climbing up the side of the box car. I sispect that there might have been brake wheels on both ends of the box cars and 2899 was rebuilt for both trucks being set by one brake wheel. I do not know this dual brake staff for sure - it is my speculation



This builder's photo of 2001 shows that only one end of the car has brakes. In the image figure 6, the shadows on the end of the car show the platforms (this time three) on the car end.



Also notice the lack of grab irons and end steps we normally see on post-1900 rolling stock. I do not know if this is just D&RG.

So, there were no ladders as we know them and very few grab irons.

Hope this is helpfull. I may not have gotten this all correct - it is my best guess.

Doug vV



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/20/2015 12:22PM by dougvv.