At almost any hour one or more car inspectors may be seen about the station and yards of important terminals, carrying their kits of tools, and their lanterns at night, testing brakes and hose connections, examining journal boxes or listening for flaws as they tap their hammers against wheels, pipes and couplings. Cars which do not meet the severest service requirements are ordered out of the train for repairs. Every effort is made, however, to keep loaded freight cars moving and to avoid delays which might damage the contents of the cars or cause inconvenience to the consignees. Of course, many cars travel empty on their way to pick up loads. Such cars can usually be sent to the repair tracks without undue inconvenience.
Car inspection is a part of the daily routine of railroad operations.
It is one of many precautionary measures which the railroads employ to promote safety, prevent delays and increase the efficiency of passenger and freight train operations. And today the railroads are providing the American people with their safest form of transportation. Tinker repairs are inconsequential repairs from the standpoint of expense and are usually made in the railroad yards without interfering with the service of the car. Light repairs consist of running repairs necessary to keep the car in service without material delay. They are usually made in the car repair yard.