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Re: Replacing a busted knuckle, conductors task ?
Author: HUTCH 7.62
Date: 03-08-2019 - 06:23
tundraboomer Wrote:
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> Yes, it's the job of the conductor, although the
> engineer may assist. A replacement knuckle weighs
> about 70 lbs. If the break is deep, the conductor
> will usually secure the rear portion then identify
> the knuckle type ('E' or 'F') and have the
> engineer toss one on the ground. Then he'll close
> the angle cock on the attached portion, let it
> charge, then pull the rear with him riding up to
> the replacement knuckle. If it's on the portion he
> is holding on to, he'll replace it there, then
> ride back to the hook. If the break is on the car
> left standing, he'll put the knuckle somewhere on
> the rear car and ride back, stop short, and
> replace it before doubling back to the standing
> portion and lacing it up then knocking the hand
> brakes off.
>
> It's not always possible to do it this way though
> and in that case, the conductor may have to walk
> up to the head-end and heft the knuckle back to
> the break. Or, he may "borrow" one off the rear
> car if it's closer and the correct type. Every
> situation is different. If it happens in the yard,
> there may be mechanical people who can perform the
> repair. But out on the road, it usually falls on
> the conductor.
So how did it work back in the days of fireman or a 3 man crew?
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> Yes, it's the job of the conductor, although the
> engineer may assist. A replacement knuckle weighs
> about 70 lbs. If the break is deep, the conductor
> will usually secure the rear portion then identify
> the knuckle type ('E' or 'F') and have the
> engineer toss one on the ground. Then he'll close
> the angle cock on the attached portion, let it
> charge, then pull the rear with him riding up to
> the replacement knuckle. If it's on the portion he
> is holding on to, he'll replace it there, then
> ride back to the hook. If the break is on the car
> left standing, he'll put the knuckle somewhere on
> the rear car and ride back, stop short, and
> replace it before doubling back to the standing
> portion and lacing it up then knocking the hand
> brakes off.
>
> It's not always possible to do it this way though
> and in that case, the conductor may have to walk
> up to the head-end and heft the knuckle back to
> the break. Or, he may "borrow" one off the rear
> car if it's closer and the correct type. Every
> situation is different. If it happens in the yard,
> there may be mechanical people who can perform the
> repair. But out on the road, it usually falls on
> the conductor.
So how did it work back in the days of fireman or a 3 man crew?
