Modeling Tip Monday—In, On, Under, Around Railroading was and is a potentially dangerous job, whether youre employed to move the trains, or by the company that loads and unloads them. As a result, many industries have upgraded their facilities with special equipment designed to make getting on or into a car safer and easier. Steps, along with side ladders or grab irons appeared on the ends of cars early on so that the handbrakes could be applied. Before safety regulations, placement varied widely, and the narrow surfaces didnt offer much of a foothold, particularly if they were wet with rain or snow. With the arrival of tank cars and covered hoppers, it became necessary for workmen of the companies receiving or shipping loads in them to climb aboard in order to access and open the roof-mounted loading points. Tank cars were then fitted with a small access ladder below the dome, and in later years, small walkways and railings were added. Today, the emphasis is on worker safety, but the same problems of getting on and off rail cars — as well as various types of semi-trailers — still exist. To provide workers with a stable work platform that actually allows them to get the job done faster, many firms are modernizing their operations with special access racks. These are available from several firms, but typically include a standard stairway with safety tread stars and railings, a work platform and a safety cage to prevent falls. Many are also equipped with floodlights, as well as roofs to protect form sun and weather, and the stairways may be secured with a gate or fencing to limit access to authorized personnel. Smaller facilities may have a single rack where multiple jobs are handled, but larger firms handling a bigger volume of inbound loads may have two or more dedicated racks. Here, workers at the first will loosen and open hatches or vents on inbound cars and trailers; firms that need to sample each incoming load for any contaminates often equip the racks with remote-controlled sample arms. Once the car or trailer has been unloaded, its moved to a second rack where the pen access point are closed. Loading is handled the same way, however these racks are fitted with hoses or loading arms. Today, youll find these racks at just about any modern industry served by road or rail. The new Modern Loading Racks kit in HO (#933-4037) includes part for four complete units that can be built as a basic access, loading or unloading rack. A great detail for a modern layout, check your 2014 Reference Book or visit us online for more great ways to build new industry alongside your railroad! walthers/exec/productinfo/933-4037
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 08:30:00 +0000