Vintage work crew photos

[hemmjo]

Great pic of all those destined for asbestosis, regardless of slacker/posers.

Curious what the tool is this guy is holding? Anyone know and it's use?

I wonder if it is a part of the locomotive, rather than a tool. Perhaps something similar to the "braces" at the front?


And then... what about those work clothes. What color were they at the beginning of shift? They appear to be dark under the white layer. Do you suppose they wore them home so their wife could wash them?


When I come home with clothes like that, typically mud or grease, my wife makes me use the pressure washer on them before they come into the laundry room. At least I do get to take them off first