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End-of-Track Bumpers. Historical info?

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End-of-Track Bumpers. Historical info?
Posted by DeCleyre on Thursday, February 9, 2012 2:40 PM

Does anyone know of websites with pictures and info on end-of-track bumpers and wheelstops?

I'm looking for info on what styles were used in various historical periods and regions, types of railroads, and applications (e.g. industrial sidings vs. yard sidings, vs. station sidings).

Interested in everything from piles of dirt and ties bolted across the track to modern mass-production items. Primary interest - USA and secondarily Britain, but curious to see bumpers from anywhere in the world.

Thanks for any info or leads.

-- D

Tags: Track
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Posted by DSchmitt on Saturday, October 20, 2012 8:05 AM

I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.

I don't have a leg to stand on.

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Posted by locoi1sa on Saturday, October 20, 2012 11:44 AM

Depending on the time period and road. Some roads had standards for everything. Even bumpers.

http://prr.railfan.net/standards/standards.cgi?plan=70100-B

    Pete

 I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!

 I started with nothing and still have most of it left!

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Posted by DSchmitt on Saturday, October 20, 2012 5:33 PM

I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.

I don't have a leg to stand on.

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Posted by cacole on Sunday, October 21, 2012 8:07 PM

An end of track bumper at Mescal, Arizona, on the Union Pacific Sunset Route, is nothing more than a pile of ballast.

I've seen others along the line that are piles of dirt or wooden ties jammed into the ground in an X pattern near the end of the spur.

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Posted by garyla on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 2:40 PM

Pick up a copy of the August 2012 NMRA Magazine.  There's a very good article (pp. 43-47) on bumpers and wheel stops with pictures, drawings, and text.

 

 

 

 

 

If I ever met a train I didn't like, I can't remember when it happened!
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Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 5:42 PM

The one in the photo is about four miles from me next to a feed and grain store. There was a siding for what must have been a larger facility at the time. The Manhan Rail Trail now is on the former roadbed used by the railroad that came through Easthampton, MA. The town station still exist and is becoming a bagel/coffee shop for the town and rail trail walkers and bicycle riders. The railroad extended from New Haven, Ct up to Northampton and beyond. I do not have the dimensions for it right now. I can go measure it if you want aany specs. I see it almost every day.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by upjake on Friday, November 16, 2012 8:01 PM

cacole

An end of track bumper at Mescal, Arizona, on the Union Pacific Sunset Route, is nothing more than a pile of ballast.

I've seen others along the line that are piles of dirt or wooden ties jammed into the ground in an X pattern near the end of the spur.

 I remember one time seeing a book photo (can't remember the book or railroad) of freight car wheels stacked up as a track bumper.

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