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In my previous article, we had seen working methods and certain types of jobs linked to the rail network. Now we will focus our attention on the equipment used to carry out various vital and necessary operations. In this short list that you are about to discover, I will remain evasive on some points, so as not to reveal too many details about the different functions, so as not to undermine the integrity of the speakers and users. Indeed, this kind of knowledge, revealed in this way, can present a risk so that it is not diverted from the malicious persons. This is evidenced by the challenges posed by young people who are eager for a strong and more frequent sensation, and who are fond of stupidity, who take great pleasure in exposing their facts on social networks. Be that as it may, good reading and discovery to all of you!

## Maille / Mesh
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More formally called "towing hook", the mesh is used to physically connect two wagons or two cars between them. Archaic principle, intended for stand-alone modules, the mesh tends to disappear to leave room for monobloc material (TR2N, TGV, AGV...), although some boxes of this type are linked by a mesh, located at the rear of the driver's cab. Built in cast iron, the machine weighs a considerable weight (between 5 and 10 kg) and has a pseudo-motricity to be able to slide and relax at its base. This function allows you to follow the movement of the rails, in bends or uphill. With a screw, the mesh can be adjusted according to the tightening force assigned to it. And no, it doesn't come off as easily as in the movies. It's a pure fantasy!

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A connection operation is a moment that can quickly become delicate, in front of the number of risks taken by the agent. The potential risk of being crushed by the buffers on either side of the half-mast rectangle (available space inside the connection) during this operation on a needle is real. I can assure you that all this is not insignificant and I have made myself quite a few fears inside, when an opposite order is given to the driver or if the driver is not a tender...

## Garage-franc
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For a stranger to all of this, the garage franc may seem like an uninteresting or totally unnoticed element. However, this white end of the line, located on the outskirts of the voices, is all the more important. Having several possible meanings, the Garage-Franc warned the driver at the end of a track or the limit not to be crossed to engage the gauge (minimum safety distance between two tracks, all in order to avoid the possible side impact, by the passage of two trains). More generally, the freehold garage is located in the vicinity of switches and signage. In the case of a movement carried out by a mechanic, if the mechanic does not receive any orders from the switch point, the mechanic is required to stop at the next Garage-Franc met.

## Torch
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Often robbed and diverted from its use (used as a smoke generator in stadiums and even in processions of demonstrations), the emergency torch is the last resort and an indispensable tool in the event of an incident. This is used by the mechanic, as well as the switching agents to report the incident and also serves as a signalling system.

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All trains seeing the light of this utensil, must formally stop their steps. Incandescent, the torch has a life of 15 minutes when "cracked" and cannot be turned off with water. It has to work in rainy weather! For obvious reasons, this torch has an expiry date that does not exceed two years at the time of manufacture.