Yards - Switching - "Bowl"

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

"What is the origin of that word "bowl" in railroad parlance?"

Because the retarder yard is shaped like a bowl, with inclines (however slight) at each end. Even the "big hopper" and "empty side" yard in Roanoke is shaped this way.Both yards in Shenandoah are shaped this way too. I'm surprised you've never heard this before.
Jimmy Lisle
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