Flat car end rails

[skippygp123]

I am putting together a Bachmann flat car kit and am curious as to what the end rail was used for.  It rotates from the top of the flat car bed to the front of the car and has 2 areas that look like hand rails bent into it. The piece is long enough to go across the short end of the bed of the flat car.

Can someone tell me that that piece of metal rail was (is) used for?

 Thanks so much!

[dwbeckett]

Pictures are worth thousands of words.

Dave

[skippygp123]

 Here is a link to an old ebay auction showing the part....it is the black part on the far left of the bottom flat car deck.  It is laying at an angle to the deck. 

 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120599386017

 Hope this helps.

[ttrigg]

Uncoupler handle. Used to disconnect cars. (assuming I looked at the correct part.)

[PJM20]

Here is another picture

If it is not what Tom says (I doubt that) it could be something in the frame of the flat car. - Peter

[dwbeckett]

PJM20

Here is another picture

If it is not what Tom says (I doubt that) it could be something in the frame of the flat car. - Peter

Tom Win's, Peters picture dosn't have the the coupler lift bar

Dave

[skippygp123]

How did these coupler lift bars work?

I've never seen them on any other type of car (box car, tank car, etc.)

Thanks!

[ttrigg]

Not your car, but same part.

 

 

Grab the handle (circled in red) and lift. Chain (not shown, circled in blue) lifts locking pin from the knuckle.

 

 

Cars are now seperated. Engine pulls away.

 

[skippygp123]

Thanks so much!  That explains everything!