U-Boat Question

Classic Trains General Discussion
1

Hi:

What was the wheel on the short hood of a u-boat used for?

Thanks

2

The wheel operated the handbrake. The usual alternative was a vertical lever that operated on a ratchet, that sat in a recess in the hood. Some roads (like SP) had both versions on different orders of SD40s, for example.

M636C

3

Thanks M636C

Why would you need an exterior hand brake on a diesel?

4

It needs to be outside so you can apply it and release it without having to go inside the cab. This allows the cab to be locked if the loco is being hauled dead. Most rail vehicles have external handbrakes so they can be applied easily when cars are set off from a train.

M636C

5

Think of it as a “PARKING BRAKE” in a car.

6

Most all road diesels (GP’s, SD’s etc.) have them, usually on GM products they’re more towards the rear of the locomotive. On an SD-70 it’s on the engineer’s side of the body, almost all the way back to the rear for example. (I happen to have a BN SD-70 model in sight from where I’m sitting!) It’s kinda one of those details it’s easy to miss.

7

Thank you for the replies.

Is this the “vertical lever” on the EMD?

8

Yup. That’s the one. Takes forever to crank one of those up!

Create a REEF


Sink a U-Boat
9

Thanks Big Jim.

Since there is both a wheel and lever, I guessing that it was up to the railroad as to their choice?