Are passenger car ends names the same as freight cars? Is one end the "A" end and the other the "B"? And if so, how are they determined, particularly on cars with truck mounted brakes? By the handbrake handle?

Going further, if there are vestibule doors on both ends is there a correct naming or numbering scheme for them?

Thanks,

Greg

This info might be incorrect, but it is what I have been told:

If there is only 1 brake stand/rod/wheel then that is the `A' end. If there is one at both ends, then the end with the Salon is the `B' end.

With the Yankee Silversmith Inn coach (P&R 910/B&ML 11/BR&W 104) that second one has me wondering since the clerestory window numbering starts at the salon end. I would think, they would start at the `A' end.

Best answer, probably is to check the builder's drawing....

Rich C.

The end of the car with the hand brake is the "B' end, for "brake".

If the car has two handbrakes, the railroad shall designate the ends, and stencil a "B" on the sill near the end of the car that will be the "B" end.

Steve

The "B" end determination is as follows:

The end of the car upon which the brake staff' is located shall be known as the "B " end, and the opposite end shall be known as the "A" end. Where there are two brake staffs on same car, the end toward which the cylinder push rod travels shall be known as the "B" end.

Richard Wilkens

... And, the numbering for journals and axles also can be different. Instead of the R1; L1 nomenclature of the AAR freight car system, one will see journals/axles numbered even down one side of the car and odd down the other side of the car.

Our cars aren't consistent with the end from which the numbers ascend, nor are other passenger cars that I've seen on other roads. Historically, we have reproduced what was next to the journal and/or on the badge plate. It seems that different roads had differing practices.

And then there is the issue of multiple brake cylinders. Hence, Mr Z's answer about the "B" stencil ... Hope this makes it all clear! =o)