Library TE 145 •A52 1721 COPYRIGHT, 1921, BY AMERICAN RAILWAY ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Transpor Manual of the American Railway Definition. Engineering Association Foreword "Manual"-A compendium containing the essentials of a subject; a handbook; a textbook. Backing and Responsibility. The "Manual" is issued by the American Railway Engineering Association (functioning also as the Construction and Maintenance Section, Engineering Division, American Railway Association). The contents of the "Manual" therefore have the endorsement of these two important railway organizations as exemplifying the best current practice for railway engineering and maintenance of way work. The American Railway Engineering Association is an organization of beavers of workers. The twenty-five committees working year in and year out, composed of engineers of high standing in practically every branch of engineering, keep their subjects up-to-date. They not only keep up-to-date, but are pioneers and leaders in various lines. Field Covered. The "Manual" is the concentrated knowledge of the railway world as adopted by its engineers, and applies to construction, maintenance, and many phases of operation. The vastness of the field covered is all the more impressive when it is considered that the "Manual" is the condensed form of the text, representing only conclusions, but based on the most elaborate investigations and reports. The "Manual's" usefulness is not confined to the printed text and illustrations. References are given by footnotes to volume, year and page to the context of the reports of committees, the discussions of the subjects, and the final action by the Association. It is therefore not only a textbook, but in a large measure a key to the library of the publications of the Association. Simplicity. The "Manual" is a summary of what we really know; and, like all knowledge, is simple. Things we actually know are generally simple; one who thinks clearly will generally express himself clearly. The "Manual" is an illustration. The "Manual" contains the conclusions in concise form on matters which have been the subject of special study by the Standing or Special Committees, and which after due consideration and discussion, have been formally approved by the Association. The Association sits as a legislature once a year; the laws which it passes are the conclusions adopted. Conclusion. 1. Read the "Manual." If not all of it, read parts of it as often as practicable. Watch what goes into it. Keep posted as to revisions. Keep it always at your elbow. 2. Recommend it to engineers in other lines, and to every builder, manufacturer, or supply man interested in the construction, maintenance or operation of railways. 3. Bring it to the attention of every official on every railway in America-Managers and Executives, as well as Section Foremen and Carpenters. Educate your employees. 4. Use it as a textbook in class-work for educating the student in railway engineering. |