A "flying switch" is when a cut of cars is uncoupled while in motion. The locomotive then opens up a gap between the rest of the train and the "orphaned" cut, and a brakeman on the ground throws the switch after the one part of the train crosses over the switch and before the other part gets to it. Obviously, if the timing of either the engineer or the brakeman throwing the switch is just a little off...
Jeff Larson
ELHS #2683
- -----Original Message-----
From: Lynne <LKRanieri_@_comcast.net>
To: Erie Lackawanna List <erielack_@_lists.railfan.net>
Sent: Tue, 7 Feb 2006 22:20:19 -0500
Subject: (erielack) in Need of a Translation
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What is a "flying switch"? What is a "Chatham drill engine"? This is from the
February 25, 1893 local newspaper, The Short-Hills Item.
Thank you!
Lynne
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