Despatch ends?!

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

My Branchline Trains box car kits have what Branchline calls “despatch end grab irons”. Rirst of all, what are despatch ends and what were (are) they used for?

Thanks,
Christopher

2

Try this link.
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13534