Reverser handle
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A reverser handle is an operating control for a railroad locomotive that is used to determine the direction of travel. The reverser usually has three positions: forward, reverse, and neutral.
When the reverser is in the forward or reverse position, the locomotive will move in the indicated direction when the throttle is opened. The reverser handle can be removed from the control stand[1] when placed in the neutral position, hence effectively disabling the locomotive.[2] The reverser lever is sometimes referred to as a "railroad key."[3]
A reversing mechanism of some type has been present on locomotives almost since inception. The style of reverser used on internal combustion locomotives has been in use since at least the early 1900's but as late as 1996 patented improvements have been made to the design and operation.[4]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Title 49: Transportation; PART 218—RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES (web). Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. GPO.GOV (44 FR 2175, Jan. 10, 1979, as amended at 48 FR 6123, Feb. 10, 1983). Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
- ^ (1915) Electric Railway Handbook: A Reference Book of Practice Data. Original from the University of Michigan: McGraw-Hill Book Company, inc., 356.
- ^ Railroad tool? (Web). CPRR Discussion Group. Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum (August 15, 2006). Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
- ^ Apparatus for interlocking reverser handle on a control stand of a railway locomotive (web). United States Patent 5542891. US Patent office (August 6, 1996). Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
- Kirkman, Marshall Monroe (1915). The Science of Railways. Original from the University of Wisconsin - Madison: C. Phillips Co., Page 262.
- (1905) Electric Railways, Theoretically and Practically Treated. Original from the University of Michigan: Van Nostrand, Page 104.
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