I took today off from work and have been blessed with a beautiful day to be outside. Part of it I spent walking the half mile to where the Wisconsin Central has a small yard located near a diamond crossing. I timed my trip well and watched a string of cars being backed into another long line of mixed freight cars. Once they were coupled I observed the brakeman connect the air hoses and then he did something I didn't understand. He grabbed some sort of bar just above the truck of the car he'd been riding and made several ratcheting movements up and down. Shortly after that I heard the hiss of air along the length of the train and it was underway. What was that ratcheting move about?
Thanks!
Ralph
Thanks!
Ralph