Bars on the front and back of 4-6-0 Bumble Bee...what are they?

[punkin]

Hello all,

I recently noticed that on the front of my 4-6-0 engine and on the back of the coal car there are these angular bars that span the width of the train. They flip up and down but I can't for the life of me figure out what purpose they serve. Any idea what these were used for in the days when these trains were in service?


Thanks!

[the Bach-man]

Dear Punkin,
The represent the coupler lift bars on the prototype locomotive.
Have fun!
the Bach-man

[Joe Zullo]

Here is what the lift bar does on one of my Bachmann Davenports. They can only work with body mounted couplers.

[punkin]

Oh, ok...I see. Very interesting indeed. Thank you!

[on30gn15]

Somewhere there was discussion where it was said the cut lever could not be made to work on truck mounted couplers on curves.
Well ...
Made this 15 second video the night before last.

https://youtu.be/1l-MZUKi574

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Where there is a will there is a way!!   Looks great.

[punkin]

That is VERY neat