On the MTH modern tank cars, there is a little detail piece between the truck and the steps. It's painted a dull yellow-gold and the shape resembles the flukes of a Navy anchor. What is it? I'm thinking maybe some kind of valve handle, but it's an odd shape for that. Here's a photo.
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I may be wrong, but I think that those are tie-down hooks for use on sea ferries etc.
I believe Nicole is correct, I asked the same question and a fellow who lived in Europe most of his life before moving to the states told us the same thing. Besides it sounds good to me.
Wow! Wouldn't want a loaded one of those as a "loose cannon" while crossing the
Channel in a rough sea. I hope they use steel cable.
They are known as 'seilhaken' in German, which roughly translates as a cable hook, definitely also fitted to freight cars that go no where near ferries, perhaps they are also used in the lifting shops which seems far more probable.
They are known as 'seilhaken' in German, which roughly translates as a cable hook, definitely also fitted to freight cars that go no where near ferries, perhaps they are also used in the lifting shops which seems far more probable.
Actually the term for this style is "UIC-Seilankern". DB started fitting this style to freight cars in about 1960; previously there was more of a "loop" under the end corners. Their primary purpose is to be used as attachment points for cable type car pullers.
Best rgds, SZ
Thanks for the replies - I knew I could count on you guys. SZ, thanks for the detailed explanation of the "UIC-Seilankern." When I did rock climbing (Bergsteigen) many years ago, we used an entirely different kind of "Seilankern" for our safety ropes!
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