Handbook of Railroad Construction; For the use of American engineers. / Containing the necessary rules, tables, and formulæ for the location, construction, equipment, and management of railroads, as built in the United States.

by George L. Vose

As lightness combined with strength is a desideratum in all cases, it will be found best to truss the longitudinal frame pieces of the car with rods, rather than to use large and heavy beams, as done by many builders.

RETARDING OF TRAINS.

383. As regards the mode of retarding trains of cars, the practice of applying blocks to the wheels is justly considered by many as quite wrong. The brake should be applied to the rail and not to the wheel. Blocks drawn against the wheel are supplied with friction by means of levers worked by a brakeman, who can at pleasure cause the wheels to slide upon the rail. A shoe, sliding upon the rail, may be supplied with friction from the whole weight of the car.

The retarding force should be applied at once to every car alike; if too much in front, the rear cars are driven against those in advance; if too much behind, the train is liable to break.

The proper place for the brakeman is upon the top of the train, where all signals may be quickly seen.

CHAPTER XV.
STATIONS.

CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS.

384. The entire establishment of buildings for operating a railroad, consists of the

Terminal,		Passenger,	Stations.
		Freight,
	Way,	Passenger,	Stations.
		Freight,
	Engine houses.
	Repair shops, (for engines).
	Repair shops, (for cars).
	Wood sheds.
	Water tanks.

And appertaining to these, scales for the weighing of cars and freight; turntables, transfer tables, switch and gate houses.