In my studies of first generation diesels, I see that sometime in the late 50’s or early 60’s, many cowl units,(f-units, c-liners, etc) had grab irons added on the nose. was this a coincidence, or was there a rule mandating them? My model railroad is set in 1961, and I need to know if my c-liners should “comply!”
thanks,
David.
Good question, David,
In fact the Interstate Commerce Commision (ICC) issued a ruling in 1958 requiring that by 1960 all cab diesels (these weren’t “cowl units,” those came later) have some permanent way for railroad workers to reach the windshields for cleaning. These locomotives soon sprouted a variety of steps, grab irons, and ladders to comply with this requirement, and that accounts for what you observed.
By the way, thank you very much, David, for signing your name.
So long,
Andy
Andy is certainly correct for the grabs usually seen going up the side of the nose.
You may also note that photos seem to show that about 1952 most railroads stared adding grabs over the windows and ladder grabs at the edge of the nose. Prior to then, these grabs are rare. There may have been another mandate for safety invloved; I don’t know.
Travers, BaltimoreTerminal, 8-20-03
In my studies of first generation diesels, I see that sometime in the late 50’s or early 60’s, many cowl units,(f-units, c-liners, etc) had grab irons added on the nose. was this a coincidence, or was there a rule mandating them? My model railroad is set in 1961, and I need to know if my c-liners should “comply!”
thanks,
David.
Good question, David,
In fact the Interstate Commerce Commision (ICC) issued a ruling in 1958 requiring that by 1960 all cab diesels (these weren’t “cowl units,” those came later) have some permanent way for railroad workers to reach the windshields for cleaning. These locomotives soon sprouted a variety of steps, grab irons, and ladders to comply with this requirement, and that accounts for what you observed.
By the way, thank you very much, David, for signing your name.
So long,
Andy
Andy is certainly correct for the grabs usually seen going up the side of the nose.
You may also note that photos seem to show that about 1952 most railroads stared adding grabs over the windows and ladder grabs at the edge of the nose. Prior to then, these grabs are rare. There may have been another mandate for safety invloved; I don’t know.
Travers, BaltimoreTerminal, 8-20-03