I read in Vol. 1 of the Kalmach book on industries that tank cars carrying flammable material weren't right behind the locos. Here are my questions:
1 Was keeping these cars away from the locos required by law or just general practice?
2 What types of material was considered "flammable?"
3 Is it true that that box cars were used to separate the flammable cars from the locos?
TIA!
Lee
kasskaboose wrote: 1 Was keeping these cars away from the locos required by law or just general practice?
Depending on era, required by Federal law. Loaded placarded cars "generally" are required to be 6 cars from an engine or occupied car, empty placarded cars have to be the 2nd car from an engine or occupied car.
There are all sorts of commodities that are restricted.
Flammable Solids
Flammable liquids
Flammable gases
Oxidizers
Poison
Poison gas
Non-flammable gas
Corrosives
Explosives
Any non-placarded car or a cars with combustible placards can be used for cover (boxcars, flatcars, hoppers, covered hoppers, tank cars, etc.)
Dave H.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com