What is "fitted" stock?

[OldProf]

The Western Lines of Scotland manual mentions "fitted stock" several times. I can figure out that "stock" means rolling stock, but fitted in what way or with what?

Thanks.

[mrennie]

The Western Lines of Scotland manual mentions "fitted stock" several times. I can figure out that "stock" means rolling stock, but fitted in what way or with what?

Thanks.

I think it refers to being fitted with vacuum brakes. The speed limit on UK railways for a freight train depended on whether it was wholly unfitted, partially fitted (a mixture of wagons with and without vacuum brakes) or wholly fitted (which I believe would be classed as express freight).

Cheers,

Mike

[johnmckenzie]

You're right, Mike. "Fitted" means fitted with train brakes!!!

"Unfitted" means... NO TRAIN BRAKES! Just a guy at the back in a 20 ton brake van applying his own brakes manually!!

THAT's why British brake vans were so important on freight trains!

[OldProf]

Thanks, fellows! Now all I need to figure out is which head lamp code to use for a BR Black 5 4-6-0 performing shunting duties.

[mrennie]

Thanks, fellows! Now all I need to figure out is which head lamp code to use for a BR Black 5 4-6-0 performing shunting duties.

There's some good information here http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/gansg/3-sigs/bellhead.htm.

There's nothing about shunting, but that would be because the lamps were used to inform the signalman of the type of train passing his signal box, on the main line, so that he could record it in the log book and check it against what he was expecting. The signalman wouldn't need such information for a loco that was shunting a yard nearby.