Re: Steam Loco design questions

["Roger L. Traviss" <rogertra@islandnet.com>]

Adrian Whichello wrote:>

> > And while I'm at it, what is the purpose of the dish-like mouldings at the
> > outer end of the buffer beams on 38 & 60 class (possibly also the 59s as
> > well, can't remember off the top of my head right now). Was it something to
> > do with the buffer beams being cast?
>
> For pole shunting. I think all the cast steel bed locos have it, so it
> may be more of an American thing. Was it ever actually used here?

I thought that's what you meant but wasn't sure if Aussie loco's had them or not.

Known as a "poling pocket" in North America they were banned from use around the
1950's I believe.  While a common feature on many steam and early diesels, they
are no longer seen on modern diesels.

It was used for moving cars on an adjacent parallel track.  A pole, about five
inches thick and banded with steel bands every few feet, was placed in the poling
pocket on either the freight car or the locomotive and  held in place by the
brakeman (shunter).  The loco then pushed against the pole which pushed the
freight car(s) along the parallel track.  When the loco stopped, the pole dropped
to the ground and was picked up by the brakeman (shunter).  Poling poles were
frequently seen carried on the under frame of the tenders on switchers (shunting
locos) and road power regularly assigned to way freight (pick up goods?) service.

The danger in using a poling pole are obvious.  If the thing shattered under
load, God help the brakeman who may be either holding it in place as it came
under pressure as the loco pushed against the freight car(s) or who was standing
near by as the loco pushed.
--
Cheers,

Roger T
Wet and rainy,
Victoria, BC
C eh n eh d eh.