TPE Class 68s: Why is there a wooden stick in engine compartment?

[lincolnshire]

After having a close up look the other day at a TPE class 68 locomotive at Scarborough while it was shut down ( they are very noisy beast when running ) I noticed inside the engine compartment a wood brake stick as used to pin down the brake leavers on old railway wagons. What is the this used for in such a new modern locomotive? and it even had its own brackets to hold it in place etc. so it looks like it was fitted maybe a latter stage may be after the locomotive arrived here in the UK.

 

[Platform9]

Wheel scotch?

 

[berwicksfinest]

On our 66s, they are for just that, pinning down wagon brakes !! you cannot rely on having them at locations, so one carried on the loco guarantees you have one !!! The also good for giving the starter motors a clout when they stick !!

 

[Energy]

It may need to haul older wagons so it will carry it about incase it needs it, its only a wooden stick.

 

[Watershed]

The 68s are only subleased to TPE. They're used for DRS duties, including hauling various freight, when not used by TPE. So it makes sense that they would keep them there all the time.

 

[t_star2001uk]

That would be a brake stick....

 

[lincolnshire]

That would be a brake stick....

Yes I did put wood brake stick in the first place or as they was known in my area as a sprag stick as I am old enough to have seen wagon chasers using them trying to pin down wagon brakes after they went over the hump in the yard. Brake sticks and shunting poles these days seem to be a thing of the past.

 

[The Lad]

Buckeye lifter?

 

[lincolnshire]

Buckeye lifter?

Its a screw coupling between loco and coaching stock.