Found this sitting on the side of the tracks, kinda looks like a knuckle but I’m not sure. The top (or maybe the bottom, not sure which side is up) reads “AAR” and “129”.
Does anyone know what it is?
It is a knuckle. It is hard to tell from the photo angle, but it may be a relatively early version of knuckle. I am not sure of the exact evolution of the automatic coupler, but the earlier ones were smaller. Also, as I understand it, the functionality of the locking changed since the first automatic couplers. The markings should make it possible to research its timeframe and specific design.
It is a newer F51AE knuckle which fits in F70 tight-lock couplers. It looks to be in good shape (not broken). It also would fit any variety of rotarty couplers and other special type couplers with an “F” head. Casting weight is around 82 pounds, The knuckle should have a casting date on it, usually 2 digits for the month followed by 2 digits for the year. The casting date is usually on the bottom (the photo shows the top) probably below the “129” number shown in the photo. A knuckle can be reused for up to 15 years after its casting date if it passes all the secondhand requirements.
Matt
Yup, a knuckle…
Pretty new, not all dirty and such, and as gopher pointed out, it fits lock tight and shelf couplers…where are the tracks you found it by, and what type of trains run there?
Did you drag that thing home?
If so, leave the next one where you find it, there is a chance it was tossed off or dropped there for a reason, kinda like keeping a spare near a siding or plant.
So, you were trespassing and you stole a knuckle? Stay right there, the law will be there any minute.
Probably because they needed an “E” knuckle instead of the “F” knuckle they tried first.
Jeff
The tracks it was on was CSX’s Selkirk Sub, and I found tons of other scrap metal along the tracks. I’m guessing that the cover blew off a gondola, and it tossed it’s contents all over. There were quite a few rectangular pieces of steel that spoons were pressed from (kinda cool i guess) and other various scraps. I’m not sure if the knuckle is related though. The bottom reads “1100” so I’m guessing that must be the casting date (November 2000). Funny thing is I was actually looking for insulators from telephone poles that were just pulled out and spotted what looked like a knuckle laying in the ditch, and decided it would make a nice conversation piece.
If your curious to see where it was, go to 2:38 on this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQc7gqNTJ9Q, it was at the bottom of the hill on the right side of the screen.