In my research, I've noticed pictures of steam engines approaching or passing under racks with chains hanging down from them. What was the purpose for such devices? Was it a clearance detector? If that's the case, how did they work?
Typically they would be placed by tunnels or other areas where there was a low clearance ahead. Back in the days when brakemen had to climb to the tops of cars to operate the brakewheels, they acted as a warning for the brakeman. I don't think getting whacked by chains would be pleasant, but I guess it would be better than hitting a concrete tunnel portal.
I don't remember them as being heavy chain links similar to anchor chains, or even one inch chain used on farms. IIRC, they were similar to very lightweight highly flexible brass chain generally found in craft stores. They had to hang straight down, but be flexible enough to give easily when struck by a human traveling at 60 mph. As Tim said, their purpose was to warn brakemen of upcoming low clearances without cold conking them and knocking them off car roofs.
Telltale Telltale remains. Another telltale picture I just looked up this subject for modeling in 1972 Model Railroader magazine. I remember that the height above the rails was eighteen feet. There were many different types of telltales.
Flash, is there another way to view your photos? Both links say to go to the Irritatedvowel home site, but then it's not clear where to go next.....?
"TellTales" were generally the height of the obstruction they warned about and were set 100 feet prior to the obstruction. So, if the clearance was 17 feet above the rail, the bottom of the rope, and it was usually rope rather than a chain, would be 17 feet a.t.r. Were the obstruction 20 ft. a.t.r, the bottom of the rope would be 20 ft. These lasted into the Diesel era, staying around until running boards on the roofs of house cars were outlawed. :cat:
Not Sure Try "WMRY prototype" and then "Jack's Mountain." There were a bunch of thumbnails on Jack's Mountain. The pictures show the top part of the telltale.
Got 'em, thanks. Interesting that the WM used what appears to be a woven cloth or mesh, instead of light chain or weighted rope.
The distance between a telltale, and a protected object, doesn't seem like much. Either they would have been traveling at restricted speed, or the man on top had best be lightning fast! mg: Boxcab E50
Either they would have been traveling at restricted speed, or the man on top had best be lightning fast! There were old brakemen and slow brakemen, but no old, slow brakemen................
I seem to remember that the distance was 200-300 feet between telltale and hazard. At 60 mph (88 fps) and 300 feet, a brakeman would have nearly 4 seconds to dive and hug the roofwalk. However, the telltale was the warning of last resort. Any brakeman worth his salt should know his route and climb down between cars well before the telltales.
Thanks, guys. I never guessed it would be for brakemen. I just kind of figured that tunnels, etc. were a quick teacher. Here's to Splat! May he rest in peace. Is there any way we can get that chain mark off his forehead before the family sees him?
Darren, I assume that placement of telltales was proportional to the speed limit for the specific area. The B&M line I am most familiar with was on the Fitchburg Division in eastern New York State which had the longest tangent on the B&M's entire system (2-1/2 miles), where the limit was at least 60 mph, if not higher. The freight hogs were really pushing the limits of the FT's, F2's, and F3's. And 6000 (The Minute Man) was really hauling....!
