What is this rotating "hand wheel" for ?

[Cardinal51]

This engine sat at Skykomish for a while and this "hand wheel" was turning by "itself" for a minute or so.

I was wondering what that thingy is for ?

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[JohnS]

That is the locomotive hand brake

[Cardinal51]

Thanks John

Can it be rotaded from the inside ? I saw it turning without anyone roatating it on tge outside

[BNSFdude]

No
You have to operate the pushbutton from the outside, but on some units it does take time to wind on or off.

[Cardinal51]

Pushbutton ? Aha, I see. So it has its own motor and the hand wheel is just for emergency operation when there is no power or another motor problem ? Is that motor electric / hydraulic / air ?

Seems that pushing the button is what he might be doing at the end of this little movie. Click the URL below.
https://ej-usweek.tinytake.com/tt/NDkzODk2NF8xNTU2MjE0NA
https://1drv.ms/v/s!Aj8hm7Xwo3lypJJIK-0YzmAu9jwFJQ?e=z5uo9b
Posted it twice, not sure either will work though.

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