While living in Barrie, Ontario about ten years ago, I noticed several covered hoppers spotted on a siding at a facility which I hadn’t previously paid much attention to.  I had figured that the trackage in and around Barrie was completely unused since being abandoned by CN in 1996 so I was quite surprised to see evidence of railroad activity.  I went right to the Google and found scattered information and photographs of what I found out was a municipally owned shortline called the Barrie Collingwood Railway.

Can somebody point me toward some accurate dimensions for freight car handbrakes?  I am trying to draw some (both wheel and gear box), and I'm not finding a lot of information beyond the fact that the wheel is 22" diameter.

I suppose I could go out and measure some, but if the information can be had from the comfort and safety of the house, I'd much rather do that!

Dashing Thru the Snow - CN Train 406 West at Salisbury, NB (Feb 3, 2015)

Mystery Bridge, You may be asking why we call it mystery bridge.