Railroading 101

Learn about Railroading in North America

Part Reference

Brake Shoe

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Brake shoes attach to the head of the brake beams and press against the tread of the wheel when the brakes are applied.

Y47 Pin

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A Y47 pin is the vertical pin which holds an F-type or EF-type coupler into the yoke.

Multi-Unit Cable (MU Cable)

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The cable used to transmit electrical signals between locomotives coupled together on a single consist, allowing two or more locomotives to be controlled from a single control stand.

Hand Brake

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A device for manually applying the brakes on a car or locomotive. Hand brakes are equipped with either a wheel or a ratcheting lever that tightens a chain attached to the brake rigging. Hand brakes are released either by pulling the release lever or by turning the handbrake wheel counter-clockwise.