01-04-2014, 08:08 AM
Hi Marco, When hand cars and speeders were still in use each section gang had one and carts that could carry tools. A few small short lines today still use them.
The sections of track maintained by a gang were different lengths, but I would guess 10 miles long so there would be a shed for tool storage, including the hand car. It was always located close to the track and either a boardwalk or rail in place so the car could easily be set on. These hand cars were too heavy for one man to handle unless some provision was made. Speeders were heavier still and used for track inspection too. There was also easy road access of some kind with room for the section gang members to park.
This is a picture that was given to me. It shows the location of one of the section shanty's on the PRR Allegheny line. It was located just off the main on a branch line so the gang could set on and then get permission to use the main. There was also a phone box near by so they could contact the dispatcher.
Charlie
The sections of track maintained by a gang were different lengths, but I would guess 10 miles long so there would be a shed for tool storage, including the hand car. It was always located close to the track and either a boardwalk or rail in place so the car could easily be set on. These hand cars were too heavy for one man to handle unless some provision was made. Speeders were heavier still and used for track inspection too. There was also easy road access of some kind with room for the section gang members to park.
This is a picture that was given to me. It shows the location of one of the section shanty's on the PRR Allegheny line. It was located just off the main on a branch line so the gang could set on and then get permission to use the main. There was also a phone box near by so they could contact the dispatcher.
Charlie