06-11-2010, 10:32 AM
Gary S Wrote:Static drops?
For facing point spurs, couldn't a car be set out by using a long chain and the loco pulling the car into the spur?
That's what the flying switch and poling accomplish.
The flying switch has the loco start the car rolling, then it is uncoupled. The loco accelerates past the turnout, and the points are thrown for the siding before the car gets there, allowing it to roll in. It is stopped by a crew member who is riding who applies the brakes.
Poling uses the "poling pocket" seen on older cars. A largish (wood) pole is braced between the loco and a car on an adjacent track in order to move said car. This would be used in your scenario in the event that the flying switch did not deliver the car far enough into the siding. Of course it only works when the adjacent track is near enough for the reach of the pole.
Not sure what "static drop" is...?
Andrew