Purpose of unknown Device across and above tracks.

[Anonymous]

In viewing train dvd's and video's. I see a horizontal pole across and above the tracks and trains.With a number of lines hanging down in line across the pole. What is the purpose of this arrangement?  dlm                        

 

 

                                      

 

[Anonymous]

In viewing train dvd's and video's. I see a horizontal pole across and above the tracks and trains.With a number of lines hanging down in line across the pole. What is the purpose of this arrangement?  dlm                        

 

 

                                      

 

I bet you are seeing a device that hangs over the train passing below. If anyone was walking on top of the cars and hit these "Ropes" that will be thier last warning before the Tunnel or Bridge. The device is a "reminder" that something really strong like a tunnel portal is about to take them pernamently off the train.

Very common in the steam era, I dont know about today's railroading as they dont have "Catwalks" on top of rolling stock much anymore.

Another sign you might see is "No room for man" or similar written in docks or tight areas. They mean NO ROOM for anyone between railcar and structure.

[wjstix]

Yes they were called "telltales" and were warn brakemen walking the roofs of the cars that they were coming to a tunnel or low bridge. Roofwalks were outlawed on interchange equipment in the mid-sixties and so I assume all telltales have probably been removed some years ago.