A wig-wag is a warning device on a truck. Generally, wig-wags aren’t legal in all states. However, some states like New South Wales allow them on school buses. In addition, they’re legal on motorcycles.
Wig-wags are not required in light-rail vehicles, but they do serve a very important function: they help alert motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians when light-rail trains are approaching. They’re also activated when the light-rail operator activates audible warnings.
Wig-wags can be switched on and off using a switch. The switch features an alternating flasher and a 10A blade-type fuse. The switch also includes mounting hardware. It has an automatic turn-off feature and can be installed in a matter of minutes.
Why Do Wigs Wag Lights?
Despite the fact that wig-wag lights aren’t a legal requirement on light-rail vehicles, they do serve an important purpose: they warn pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists of approaching trains. They activate automatically when the light-rail operator activates its warning system. This system uses audible and visual signals that activate when the train pulls into or exits a station, crosses a street, or passes a pedestrian crossing.
Trucks can also use wig-wag headlights to improve their visibility. Originally, these devices were used to stop a rail car carrying a vehicle. By activating the lights with a remote control, the driver could drive away safely. Wig-wag lights also help to reduce the risk of accidents and save time and money for both parties.
The wig-wag illumination pattern is often used in conjunction with other illumination patterns. It can alternate between the left and right headlights at a slow rate, flash both headlights at the same time, or use a mixture of high-beams and low-beams.
How Do I Check My CDL Slack Adjuster?
If you are a commercial driver, one of the most common violations is out-of-service brakes. The CVSA carries out a Roadcheck inspection blitz each year and out-of-service brake violations continue to be the number one cause of crashes. Fortunately, there is a simple way to check your slack adjusters.
Using a pair of gloves, simply pull hard on each slack adjuster. Then, make sure the pointer in each adjuster is within the marker. If the slack adjuster is not adjusted properly, it can become dangerous and lead to an accident.
What is the Air Loss Rate For a Straight Truck?
The air brake system is designed to stop your truck without damaging the vehicle. However, if your air brakes fail to activate, the truck can jackknife and cause the driver to lose control. The air brake system works by compressing air in a chamber and then releasing the force to activate the brakes. Ideally, the air loss rate should be less than _____ psi per minute while the brakes are applied. If the air loss rate of your straight truck is higher than this, you may have excessive air loss.
What is a Wig Wang?
Wig Wang is a term that comes from the verb wag, which means to swing or to wiggle. It is also the name of a warning light that appears on a truck that relates to the brake system. The wigwag will automatically rise out of the driver’s line of sight when the brakes are applied.
There are two different kinds of wig-wag illumination: manual and automatic. The automatic wig-wag is usually triggered by a certain level of pressure and will raise out of view automatically. A manual wig wag, on the other hand, must be manually placed in an out-of-view position and remain there until the pressure reaches a certain level. The photo to the left shows a manual wig-wag.
Who Invented Crossing?
The history of the crossing signal can be traced back to the 1870s in England. More specifically, the concept was developed by Garrett Morgan, a 46-year-old newspaperman. Although his three-position traffic signal was not the first, it did regulate crossing vehicles better than earlier signals. Today, crossing signals are found all over the world. The history of the crossing signal is an interesting one. The first one was built in London in 1868.
In the late 19th century, the United States became laced with railroads. The need for crossing signs was evident as motor traffic increased. In December 1868, the first crossing sign was installed in London on Bridge Street in Westminster. Knight’s concept of the crossing sign incorporated a semaphore arm, which was manually raised and lowered by traffic police. In addition to this, he incorporated gas lights to make the sign visible at night.
Later, with the advent of steam locomotives and modern railway, level crossings became commonplace. As a result, various types of crossings were created. For example, the occupation crossing was used where a railway crossed a road. An accommodation crossing was built when a new railway line split a private property into two sections. This was a safer, more efficient way for traffic to cross a road. By the late 18th century, many cities and towns had gates across their railways, and the use of these gates became more commonplace.
Who Invented Railroad Crossing?
Railroad crossings were not always this safe. In fact, more than half of railroad accidents happen at unprotected crossings. Fortunately, technology has evolved to make railroad crossings safer than ever. Today, moveable gates protect roadways at railroad crossings. Albert Hunt, a mechanical engineer at the Pacific Electric interurban streetcar railroad, invented moveable gates in 1909. The gates use alternating electromagnets to pull on an iron armature. Then, a disc-shaped target serves as the pendulum, and a red light in the center illuminates the disc. A mechanical gong sounds when the target swings open or closes.
The acute angle railroad crossing was invented in 1909. The left-hand rail of one track meets the right-hand rail of the other at an acute angle. It is also known as a V-crossing. Albert Hunt, a mechanical engineer at the Pacific Electric interurban streetcar railroad, invented this type of railroad crossing to make crossings safer. It was a precursor to today’s automatic gates.
How Much Play is Allowed in a Slack Adjuster?
When buying a slack adjuster, it’s important to know how much play is allowed. This is something you can easily measure yourself with a tape measure. Measure the length from the center of the big gear at the bottom of the slack adjuster to the end of the arm. This measurement should range between five and six inches.
The adjustment bolt is located at the base of the slack adjuster. To access it, push in the sleeve that covers it. If the sleeve is tight, use a box end wrench and slide it over the adjustment bolt. Be careful not to twist or pull out the pushrod in the air cylinder while turning the bolt.
Before installing an automatic slack adjuster, read the manual carefully. This information will help you maintain its proper performance. If you see more than one inch of play between the push rod attachment and the end of the slack adjuster, it may be out of adjustment. If the end play exceeds an inch, you can back off the adjusting bolt slightly. This will restore the running clearance.
Learn More Here:
3.) Best Trucks
