(erielack) The mystery of the handrails.

["Tupaczewski, Paul R (Paul)" <paultup_@_lucent.com>]

My desktop wallpaper is a series of about 400 EL diesel photos that cycle every 15 minutes or so. Always pervasive, I manage to notice little details about the images....

Today I noticed that the various EMD switchers (SW7, SW8, SW9, SW1200, NW2 - not SW1, though), which were equipped with full handrails on the sides, all seemed to have large gaps between the lead stanchion at the front and the second stanchion back. Some gaps are large, some aren't as big, but it appears that most (all?) have larger spacing between stanchions 1 & 2 compared with the consistent spacing of the rest. Is there any reason for this?

Also, it seems that some have handrails that attach directly to the cab, while others have handrails that end in a stanchion directly next to the cab. Again, any theories as to why?

At least one engine (SW1200 #452) has a pair of stanchions right next to each other at the front - huh?!? (to strengthen the railing due to the large gap between the two stanchions?)

	- Paul


Paul R. Tupaczewski_______________________
Lucent Technologies
Mobility Solutions                              Phone: 973-386-4966
MASD Innovations                                Fax: 973-386-4147
67 Whippany Road, Room 15D-116  
Whippany, NJ 07981                            
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