History
Home Shop for Repair Do Not Load
Chances are you've seen these signs on damaged cars or locos. Whether on a flat car, or limping home on their own wheels, the equipment will be good as new after a trip through the shops.
A History of Service
In the beginning, railroads designed, built and repaired their own equipment. Although they later bought cars and locos from outside suppliers, it was still faster and easier to make repairs at home. By the 20th century, most roads had a major shop at a central terminal, or at each end of the line. These included backshops for engine repairs, freight and passenger car shops, foundries, warehouses, offices and the most unique of all, the transfer table.
A Simple Solution in Less Space
Shops were always busy, but switching equipment from one building to another required complex track and extra labor, which increased costs. Transfer tables solved these problems. Essentially a mobile deck bridge, they rode on flanged wheels and rails in a long pit. By the 1890s, most were powered by large electric motors, drawing current from overhead catenary. A single operator handled the controls from a small cab on one side of the bridge. Track alignment was done by eye, and equipment pulled on or off using a small windlass. Although the designs have changed and many were retired, some of these amazing machines are still in use today!
A Great Addition to Any Size Layout
A shop complex makes a great showcase for equipment from your favorite line in a limited space, or a great detail alongside the classification yards or engine terminals on larger layouts.
