Unknown part on locomotive handrail...

[toastmaster649]

I've called myself a quiet railfan for some time, and worked on RR properties for the better part of two decades. I'm ashamed to admit, I've got no idea what that "device" welded  on the upright of the handrails, on the main platforms, front and/or back, of many locomotives is for.  Welded on an angle, and looks like a large "soup can" with the ends cut out. Sometimes one, and sometimes two of them, one on each side. I've often thought perhaps it was to hold switch brooms, or flags or something, but never seen anything in them. What is their use?

 

Thanks for answering a dumb question.

 

Here's a couple links to pics showing what I'm talking about

http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=274100&nseq=1

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=274621&nseq=1

[Railway Man]

MU cable holder -- the loose end goes into the can.

RWM

[toastmaster649]

 Makes perfect sense...thanks.

[bubbajustin]

Ok I've always wonderd what these were too, thanks!

[doghouse]

Railway Man

MU cable holder -- the loose end goes into the can.

RWM

 

Interesting avatar.  I wonder what that tastes like?

[trainfan1221]

Actually I've seen that picture in one of those books you see at the mall about weird signs.  I believe the caption asked a similar question.

I also am glad to know what that device is for, I never have noticed one modeled however.  But I do want to point out the first picture toastmaster used to show what he meant, and all I can say is HOW THE HECK DID THAT HAPPEN????

[Deggesty]

trainfan1221

But I do want to point out the first picture toastmaster used to show what he meant, and all I can say is HOW THE HECK DID THAT HAPPEN????

Yes, where are the rails? Did the engineer stop with the front truck exactly at the end of the rails?

Johnny

[toastmaster649]

 It's at a road crossing, and the locomotive is almost at a 90 degree angle in the street, off the rails, which are visible in the lower left of the picture.  I'm strictly GUESSING, but I'm thinking something caused the wheels to ride up out of the flange guides, or something substantial like heaved pavement hit the pilot, and popped it off the rails.  It's still coupled to it's trailing units.