Please help me compile a database of hand brakes used on freight cars
built between 1937 and 1960 inclusive. Column headings are listed
below. If anyone can contribute information I would be much
obliged.

I have found the best source to be equipment diagrams although, in my
experience, the hand brake model designation is seldom included.
Construction dates of the car series helps because, to the extent
that a hand brake manufacturer had only one suitable model, one can
make a supposition about which hand brake might have been applied.

Before 1950 each hand brake manufacturer supplied a proprietary bell
crank or, much less often, a sheave wheel. Information on these bell
cranks, if available, would be listed under NOTES.

1958 was about the end of the malleable (cast) hand wheels unique to
each manufacturer. Hand wheel information, if available, would also
be appreciated.

At present the database contains 299 car series. I would be happy to
make any information I have available to anyone with an interest.

Five items marked with an asterisk constitute the minimum data
acceptable for an entry.

RAILROAD*
QUANTITY (of cars in series)
SERIES* (number series)
TYPE (of freight car)
CAPACITY (nominal capacity of car)
BUILDER
BUILT* (year is sufficient but more precision is desirable)
LOT (number) or ORDER (number)
INSIDE LENGTH
HAND BRAKE MANUFACTURER*
HAND BRAKE MODEL DESIGNATION
SOURCE* (of hand brake information)
REFERENCE (to hand brake manufacturers drawing)
NOTES

Gene Green