Locomotive Vertical Extension Handrail
Adds 36 in. of rail above your running-board handrail. Hooks over 1-1/4 in. pipe on GE, EMD and GenSet locomotives. One person, about 60 seconds, no tools.
Quote only. 4 to 5 weeks ARO. Tell us your locomotive model and which part number you need: SH10266M, SH10255M or SH10256M.
Since 1997. Made in the USA. Trusted by Class I railroads and Fortune 500 manufacturers.
Two steps up a tube stand, the running-board rail sits at your knee. The Blue SteelCo Locomotive Vertical Extension Handrail hooks over the existing handrail and puts 36 inches of rail back above it. One person installs it in about 60 seconds: two hooks, two T-pins, no tools, nothing drilled. It goes on before the stand goes up and comes off when the job is done. Three aluminum configurations, 18 to 25 lb, for GE, EMD and GenSet locomotives with 1-1/4 in. pipe handrails.
Why the Running Board Needs a Taller Rail
A locomotive’s running-board handrail is set for a person standing on the walkway. Much of the maintenance done up there happens from a stand: a tube stand, a folding ladder or an injector platform. Every step up lowers the handrail relative to the worker’s center of gravity. Two steps up, the rail that was at waist height sits at the knee, and it no longer stops a fall over the side.
The vertical extension handrail puts the rail back where it belongs for that work, and the locomotive’s handrail is not modified.
How It Mounts
- Two hooks fit over the existing handrail (1-1/4 in. pipe).
- Two T-pins lock the hooks in place. No tools and no fasteners into the car body.
- Ratchet strap included.
- Inside mount: the frame sits on the inside of the existing locomotive handrail.
- Install: one person, about 60 seconds.
Three Configurations
| Part number | Configuration | Width | Height above existing handrail | Overall height | Stored height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH10266M | Standard | 30 in. | 36 in. | 80 in. | 80 in. (does not fold) | 18 lb |
| SH10255M | Wide, with intermediate uprights | 40 in. | 36 in. | 80 in. | 80 in. (does not fold) | 25 lb |
| SH10256M | Folding | 30 in. | 36 in. | 80 in. | 44 in. folded | 19 lb |
All three: aluminum construction, safety yellow finish, two hooks with T-pins for 1-1/4 in. pipe handrail, ratchet strap included, made in the USA. No load rating available. Current lead time: 4 to 5 weeks after receipt of order.
Which one to order
- SH10266M Standard covers most running-board work: one worker on a stand at a single work point.
- SH10255M Wide spans a longer work zone, such as an injector platform or two workers side by side. The intermediate uprights close the larger opening.
- SH10256M Folding folds to 44 inches for storage in a work truck, a road-crew truck upfit or a service cart. Choose it when the rail travels to the locomotive rather than living at one track.
Many shops order a mix: standard or wide units staged at the service track and a folding unit on each road truck.
Related Locomotive Safety Equipment
The vertical extension mounts to the locomotive handrail itself. For work above the running board, see our locomotive work platforms. For protection on the track, see blue flag protection. Browse all locomotive products.
Request a Quote
Tell us how many of each part number you need and where they ship. We’ll send pricing; current lead time is 4 to 5 weeks after receipt of order. Not sure it fits? Email a photo of your handrail with the locomotive model and we’ll confirm before we quote. Call 800-377-2109, email sales@bluesteelco.net, or use the form below.
Updated
Vertical Extension Handrail FAQ
What does the locomotive vertical extension handrail do?
It hooks over the existing running-board handrail and puts 36 inches of rail back above it. A worker standing on a tube stand, folding ladder or injector platform has a rail at the right height again instead of one at knee level.
Which locomotives does it fit?
GE, EMD and GenSet locomotives whose running-board handrail is 1-1/4 in. pipe. The hooks fit over 1-1/4 in. pipe. If your handrail is a different size, send a photo and measurements with your quote request.
How long does it take to install?
About 60 seconds, by one person. The two hooks go over the existing handrail and the T-pins lock them. No tools, and nothing is drilled or bolted to the locomotive.
How much does each unit weigh?
SH10266M Standard: 18 lb. SH10255M Wide: 25 lb. SH10256M Folding: 19 lb.
What comes with it?
The frame, two hooks with T-pins, and a ratchet strap. All aluminum, finished in safety yellow, made in the USA by Blue SteelCo.
Is it load rated?
No load rating available.
What is the difference between the three part numbers?
SH10266M is the 30-inch standard unit. SH10255M is 40 inches wide with intermediate uprights for longer work zones. SH10256M is a 30-inch unit that folds to 44 inches for storage in work trucks and carts. All three stand 36 inches above the existing handrail and 80 inches overall.
What is the lead time, and how do I get pricing?
Current lead time is 4 to 5 weeks after receipt of order. Pricing is by quote. Call 800-377-2109, email sales@bluesteelco.net, or use the form on this page with the part numbers and quantities you need.