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Re: Slip Coaches: Back When British Express Trains Detached Passenger Cars at Speed
Author: Max Wyss
Date: 07-09-2018 - 01:25
Using the search engines a bit shows that the slip coach was a very specific vehicle. It had a stand for the guard, and as key feature a slip hook for the coupler, which was operated by a lever. The hook opened, and the link would simply drop out. The vacuum hoses could simply be uncoupled by pulling. I'd have to reread how the vacuum pipe end cock got closed on the ongoing train, but the guard on the slip coach could also close the cock on his side.
So, there was no climbing between cars etc.
One must also note that the trains did slow down to the uncoupling of the slip coach; in one reference, they were talking about slowing down to 20 mph, so that the slip guard could uncouple at the beginning of the station platform, and his section then stopped nicely at the middle. As soon as the express cleared, the remainder of the ongoing (local) train could back up to the slip coaches, couple them and be ready to continue.
So, there was no climbing between cars etc.
One must also note that the trains did slow down to the uncoupling of the slip coach; in one reference, they were talking about slowing down to 20 mph, so that the slip guard could uncouple at the beginning of the station platform, and his section then stopped nicely at the middle. As soon as the express cleared, the remainder of the ongoing (local) train could back up to the slip coaches, couple them and be ready to continue.
