Jackson Sharpe passenger

[Anonymous]

What do you use to fill the gap between cars, so passengers can walk from car to car?

[Puckdropper]

Most modern equipment has vestibules between cars, which not only keeps the rain out but it allows passengers to move between cars. I don't know if older equipment actually allowed passengers to change cars, though.

[markn]

I beleive the term for what was used on the modern units 1920/30 on.. was diaphragm. I don't know if any of the manufacturers include them or offer them-might check one of the small detail bits and pieces companies. If you can't find one you might try looking at an auto parts store for some rectangular heater/defroster hose, it should be flexible enough.

[kimbrit]

I don't think they had anything between the gap, you removed the chains and stepped across. The model coaches have too big a gap for a believable step over so if your line can stand it, close couple the cars and fit fine chain where the plastic one is.
Kim

[kstrong]

Some cars had metal "gangplanks" that stuck out over the couplers to provide for a solid walkway between cars. If you ride many tourist operations that have open cars--and allow you to walk between them--you'll see such things.

But most photos I've seen of vintage narrow gauge passenger cars had no such features. You simply stepped across the open space.

Later,

K

[kimbrit]

Try the following link, it's a coach after the wild bunch have finished with it, so quite early, and it has a diaphragm. Now this would make a good model.
Kim

The link doesn't work, try:
www.denver.lib.co.us
western history & genealogy
photo search
continue
first box: type in wild bunch
second box: keyword
search

well worth it

[John Busby]

Hi Chris
Nothing passengers where not allowed to walk from car to car on that style of coach.
It was even sign posted on cast brass plates mounted on coach ends as was the fact passangers could not ride on the veranda.
Some coaches had drop plates and latice type arrangement or chains for
the convienence of train crew some had nothing and the crew had to cross an open gap.
It was not until the arrival of the bellows coach conections that passengers
where allowed to move through the train to get to dining cars ect.
regards John