Stupid Question About Rolling Stock

johncolley

Member since
February 2002
From: PtTownsendWA
1,445 posts

Posted by johncolley on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 11:55 AM

1. NO question is stupid or dumb if it is sincere. 2. The designation of ends comes into play when writing up bad order cards for repairs, such as "right stirrup, b end" is a specific item and location.

jc5729

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AntonioFP45

Member since
December 2003
From: Good ol' USA
9,642 posts

Posted by AntonioFP45 on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 10:32 AM

In thinking about this, it would make sense that on the prototypes it would matter for locomotive crews involved in switching operations, as cars are being dropped off at industries (customers) in which of course the brake wheel is turned and locked afterwards.

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

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Pruitt

Member since
February 2001
From: Wyoming, where men are men, and sheep are nervous!
3,392 posts

Posted by Pruitt on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 8:16 AM

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

Does it matter whether the A or B end is in front?

No, it doesn't matter at all, at least as far as brake operation is concerned. The "train line" that runs through the car is tapped by a simple tee connection to get to the car's airbrake system. Which direction that air comes from is inconsequential.

Mark P.

Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.com
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton

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Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 8:09 AM

QUOTE: Originally posted by orsonroy

That's it; the B end has the brakewheel. I always wondered why this wasn't called the A end?

To help us remember! B = Brake end! Works for me anyway.

Bob Boudreau

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Edit

SpaceMouse

Member since
December 2004
From: Rimrock, Arizona
11,251 posts

Posted by SpaceMouse on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 8:09 AM

Does it matter whether the A or B end is in front?

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

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AntonioFP45

Member since
December 2003
From: Good ol' USA
9,642 posts

Posted by AntonioFP45 on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 7:33 AM

This is good for the Newbies on here to know.

BTW: This is not a "STUPID QUESTION"! I've been a modeler since the late 70s. I didn't know what the A and B ends were!

This question is called: VALUEABLE.

Cheers!

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

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dehusman

Member since
September 2003
From: Omaha, NE
10,621 posts

Posted by dehusman on Sunday, February 1, 2004 10:39 PM

The "B" end is the end with the handbrake on it (B for Brake).

On a multi-platform car the B end will be on the "B" platform and the "A" end will be on the A platform (the platforms are lettered A-E-D-C-B or A-C-B for three pack) since they will have multiple brake wheels.

On a diesel, the front is the end with the letter "F" painted on it.

Dave H.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com