Craig, do you know what that device is and what it is used for?
|
That is HelperLink. It syncs airbrake commands via radio between the train and helper set without physical hose connections, allowing the helper to couple onto the rear of a train without having to connect the air hoses (note the hose connecting the box to the helper’s air hose). It then transmits and receives air brake info like a two-way EOT. It also allows the helper engineer to uncouple the helper on the fly; note the linkage to the coupler cut bar. All of this allows for one man helper operations. It has been used on Crawford Hill and out of Sheridan for years (CSX also uses these on the Burnsville, WV, helpers). On Crawford Hill, the are used with two man helpers so that helpers can be uncoupled on the fly and so that no one has to get between the helper and the train to hook up air hoses in winter conditions.
Al Krug has a good essay on its usage here: http://krugtales.50megs.com/rrpictale/helperlink/helperlink.htm (you may have to cut and paste that address)
|
|