Train (Yard) Crews Using Long Poles

[NSyorktown]

Saw a photograph today of a crew member in an NS Yard.

The guy was tending to a remote control-operated locomotive and string of cars.

He had a long pole in his hand, something that looked like a long fishing rod.

The question is . . . . would that be a pole used to dis-connect cars (hoses, etc.) as the train is moving?

Just curious!  TIA

[lwjabo]

Could it be a brake stick? Used to knock off brakes and set retainers

[mbgphoto79]

Yeah, probably a brake stick.  It has a T shaped metal end on it that hooks around the brake wheel so the operator doesn't have to get in between the cars. 

[Conductor]

Most likely a brake stick. CSX has rules which forbid climbing on cars to set brakes, you have to use a brake stick now. NS may have similar rules.

Wow, really?  You can't climb cars to set brakes on CSX?  And I thought NS had some strict rules.  We are still allowed to climb cars to set brakes.  We are also still allowed to ride tank cars (which I was told CSX doesn't allow).