sand in diesels?

[Cactus]

I'm new to model railroading, so questions abound. Here's the first one of what's likely to be many.

I just built the Walther's N-scale diesel service facility -- with 5 diesel fuel tanks and a "sand house." What's the sand for?

Cheers!

Bill

 

[Drew1125]

Hello there, & welcome to The Gauge, Bill!
All locomotives, steam, & diesel, use sand to gain traction. The sand is applied to the rails, in front of the driving wheels, through a system of pipes. On a steam loco, the sand was usually stored in a large dome on top of the boiler. In diesels, the sand is stored in chambers usually near the top of the loco.
In RR lingo, sanding is sometimes refered to as "getting a shot of the seashore".

 

[shamus]

Hello Cactus and welcome to the gauge. Glad charlie put you right on the sanding bit.

Shamus

NARA Member #24
http://www.badger-creek.co.uk