kicking cars?

Classic Trains General Discussion
1

A book written about the Burlington Northern in the late 70’s refers to kicking cars. It said that the crew could not kick propane cars. What is kicking cars as it applies to railroads and is the practice still used today?

Thanks

2

When switching cars, it means shoving one or more cars with the engine, and cutting off while in motion, allowing one or more cars to move by their momentum into a track. This is usually done when there are already cars in the track, to which they’ll couple and thus be stopped. If no cars to stop their movement, a brakeman or switchman may ride the cut of cars to stop it with a hand brake. This is generally done in flat yards, where there’s no danger of a runaway, or cars rolling back into the switching operation. A hazmat car, such as a load of propane or explosives, presents too much danger to risk even the slight danger that’s inherent in these uncontrolled movements. It’s not allowed in some yards. Employees on the ground, such as carmen and trainmen have to watch for kicked cars moving freely with little or no noise. As far as I know, it’s still the standard practice in some yards.

3

I learn something new everyday! Thank You.

4

another note…most rulebooks and timetables will state what cars cant be kicked or kicked into…tankcars are almost always on the list…as are articulated well cars atleast is was on CSX in the late 90’s

5

Thanks for the imput J. Edgar.

6

Loaded Autoracks are not to be kicked either.

7

The restrictions that apply to kicking cars usually applies to hump switching them as well. Other restricted loads would be heavy machinery, explosives, passenger equipment, etc. These types of cars must be handled attached to a locomotive.

8

haha, yeah right. SOME railroads hump anything as long as it has wheels.

9

Seen it all go over the hump ( even cars loaded with DO NOT HUMP stickers on all sides!!!) the only time I have seen them put cars on the bypass track is because someone ( usually the guy paying the frieght) is standing there. Happens when Deere and Cat officals come to look over the yard.