The LNER Encyclopedia

I have recently done some research into the emergency tool cupboards fitted into the ceiling of passenger brake vans, these lockers contained tools for breaking open coach doors in the event of an accident. I have several drawings showing layout and contents, amongst the usual fire axes, pinch bars, saws and hammers are listed - Baffler large and baffler small, the function of these devices has indeed baffled us at the LNERCA. I have attached a portion of drawing No 10048N of dated March 1934 showing the little (and large) bafflers items 4 & 5, I imagine them to be similar to an tin mug with a long steel handle. Note that they are handed and may be able to fit one inside the other- though this may not be relevant.
Does anyone know their function in an accident?

Regards,

4493

They are for extinguishing gas lamps, cf candle snuffers.

I'd suggest more for extinguishing flames from broken gas pipes in the event of an accident. There's mention of tin bafflers provided for this purpose in the report into the Ais Gill accident in 1913.
http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/docume ... ll1913.pdf Page 52

Jeremy

Gents thanks for your replies, it does seem they were used for extinguishing flames. I had discounted this theory because it seemed logic that in an emergency you would turn the gas off at the tank thus extinguishing all the carriage lights at once, rather than having to climb through the wreckage snuffing each lamp. The drawing shows they are of two specific diameters, length and handed as though they each fitted a certain type of light fitting?

Marcus