Old Time Trains

Note the Sperry-designed hydraulic throttle (upright control arm with a knob, at right). This type of system provides infinate constant smooth acceleration, the hydraulic line connecting to the governor which in turn controls the speed at which the diesel engine runs. It is an old system used on doodlebugs, not only on Sperry Cars. The airbrake is directly ahead and appears to be an old doodlebug type. Note the open front window, something unusual in railway equipment. Note too the small counter device just below the air gauge on the left post. It is manually flipped each time a backup move is made to check the rail. The control box at left has a speedometer, speed telegraph, lights, switches and signal buttons. Robbin Rekiel.

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Old Time Trains © 2009

Note the Sperry-designed hydraulic throttle (upright control arm with a knob, at right). This type of system provides infinate constant smooth acceleration, the hydraulic line connecting to the governor which in turn controls the speed at which the diesel engine runs. It is an old system used on doodlebugs, not only on Sperry Cars. The airbrake is directly ahead and appears to be an old doodlebug type. Note the open front window, something unusual in railway equipment. Note too the small counter device just below the air gauge on the left post. It is manually flipped each time a backup move is made to check the rail. The control box at left has a speedometer, speed telegraph, lights, switches and signal buttons. Robbin Rekiel.