I've seen train orders hooped up hundreds of times and the trainman's weight is dangerously off-balance as he leans out for those orders. That was the problem with those mechanical "arms" as they could only reach as far as the train order hoop would allow. My grandfather used the same type hoop, but he would touch the "Y" end to the end of the crosstie to make sure he was the perfect distance to safely and effortlessly hand up the order. I never, ever saw a flagman or conductor have to lean out to snag orders. Likewise, I never haw my grandfather have to lean "in" to hand up the orders. I love this photo as that is one of my most favorite memories of my grandfather. I just don't like the potential this mechanical "hoop holder" had to cause crew injury
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| Posted by on December 19, 2011 | |
The flagmans name was Ron Nesman
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