Gidday, Have very recently bought a Bowser undecorated Pennsylvania N5c caboose kit and am wondering what these parts are for. They are not mentioned or shown on the parts list or assembly drawing and while I have had a very quick look at some prototype photos, its got me beat.
Thanks, Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Those are stanchions and induction coils for PRR's "Trainphone" communication system. It used magnetic induction instead of radio frequencies, and was mounted on the roof of both locomotives and cabin cars. Here's a link to an article explaining the system;
http://pennsyrr.com/index.php/general/faqs/115-faq-what-was-the-pennsy-s-trainphone-system-and-how-did-it-work
Here's a link with a photo:
http://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/fileSendAction/fcType/0/fcOid/21984675522470380/filePointer/21984675524340847/fodoid/21984675524340844/imageType/LARGE/inlineImage/true/prr477901%2520Focal%2520orange.jpg
Hope that helps.
Chris Ballinger
Modeling the Clementon Branch of the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines in HO scale
Gidday Chris, thank you very much for your consise answer. Another classic case of assumption on my part ,
I had always assumed that the aerials on PRR locos were part of a steam driven HF radio system built solidly, the PRR way, to withstand the rigors of winter weather and general wear and tear.
Thanks again for setting me straight.
Cheers, the Bear.
Gidday Jim, though my freelanced railroad bought cabooses off the PRR, the bean counters weren't going to pay for the communications package.
Many thanks for your interesting reply,