Badger Co. railroad car mover/spotter?

Question

I am looking for pictures of this hand tool in use. It was placed under the wheel of, say a boxcar, and the operator pushed down in the handle which caused the wheel to turn and the car to move forward an inch or so at a time. Markings on the handle say "Badger" and "Never Slip" Any info on this type of tool would be helpful.

Answer 1

I have heard of people using this kind of tool before, but not that tool specifically.  You might want to go to http://www.trains.com, sign on to their forums, and asking the question there.

The example I heard of was an article in Trains magazine a few years ago.  This was used in a place where the track was level.  The guy would go to the car and disable the car's air brakes, then release the handbrake, place the prybar under the wheel, and push.  The car would go forward, and when it reached the desired spot, he would jump up and apply the handbrake.

As any railroader would tell you, the problem isn't really getting the car to move, it's getting the car to STOP once it's reached its desired spot.  If that handbrake was defective, a great deal of damage would ensue, even at very slow speeds.  Most places these days will either use a forklift or front-end loader to move a car, or a system of pulleys, if they don't have access to a proper locomotive.

Answer 2

I work for a short line railroad who's primary customer base is grain elevators. I see them quite a bit leaning up against something on many elevator sidings. The elevator employees use them quite often, and I've seen them used. I know they consist of just one moving part. It's a very simple device of course, and works well if you're patient.