Signs on 'A' end CO stock cars?

[metman]

I've noticed that some 'A' end CO stock cars have four little marks on the front above the off side window. What was this? I would have to guess that it was a sign making sure that the 19 cars on the Metropolitan Line were not used at the outer end of 8 car trains, am I correct?

Some G stock cars also had these four bolts, what was that for?

Thanks metman.

[tubeprune]

Sept 22, 2009 20:32:50 GMT metman said:

I've noticed that some 'A' end CO stock cars have four little marks on the front above the off side window. What was this? I would have to guess that it was a sign making sure that the 19 cars on the Metropolitan Line were not used at the outer end of 8 car trains, am I correct?

I don't think so. I think they were to hold or strengthen something inside the cab. I think they were a late addition. Do you have a picture?

Some G stock cars also had these four bolts, what was that for?

Same thing I think. ISTR that inside the Q23 cab at that point there was a box for the Drico. Can anyone confirm? Roythebus?

[metman]

There's a photo on Bowroads site on flickr. Link won't work. Type in CO/CP stock

[mrfs42]

This is only a suggestion - and based on looking at the 'CP' stock operating instructions - it seems to match up with the fixing bolts for the starting bell.

[metman]

Of course, the O stock had the guard in the cab! But it doesn't explain why only some have it, and only really the A ends. The G stock had the guard at the trailing end too....

[mrfs42]

Hm. Could it be you've only found pictures of the 'A' ends - or have you found an equal spread of the 'D' ends?

It could just be that one batch of setscrews was slightly longer than the other.

[metman]

I have found a picture of a D end CO car too! I haven't found a pic of a CP stock car though.

[Chris M]

Was there any difference in the mounting points for this equipment in A and D end cabs?

[mrfs42]

I'll have to dig through the pile of various bits - as I think I might have some other instructions in the 'pending' pile of paperwork.

EDIT:

With acknowledgements to 21146 is this what you are thinking of? In fact the 'real' 21146 makes an appearance in the background of this one.

[metman]

Yes!

[ruislip]

Could this have something to do with non-stopping boards on surface stock of that era?

[mrfs42]

I think that's unlikely, but a nice thought.

[tubeprune]

Looking through all 21146's photos and various others, the bolts seem to be rare. Perhaps it was a minor repair, modification or experiment. I don't remember anything special except the few cars fitted with positive train identification equipment but I don't remember what was in the cabs. I do remember the brackets fitted to the bogie which were very easy to damage when you were struggling with a blocking bar.

I am sure it wasn't the bell mounting, the bolts are too spread out.

[roythebus]

The bell was mounted at the back of the cab. I don't recall seeing these, but they could have been for DRICO which was fitted on the driver's side.

Does anyone have a pic of this on here?? It might jog my memory.