Tonnage Test

A heavy brass hex nut sat dead center on the main line. Unassigned freight. I advanced at quarter throttle, keeping the exhaust cadence even. My front knuckle coupler met the faceted metal face with a crisp, low chime. Resistance encountered. Drivers held their bite on the varnished oak. Rods levered forward in unison, sliding the cold mass three inches ahead until it came to rest against the edge of a pen tray. Spur secured. Haulage rating confirmed.