We are gathered
here today in accordance with the FRA, AAR, TC and other regulatory bodies to unite these two units in M.U. service.
If anyone takes exception, file your grievance or get in the clear.
(Insert
groom's name here) Do you take this
woman to be your trailing unit, tying down your pin lifter forever, and permanently restricting yourself from interchange
service, even with newer, freshly painted units, remaining coupled despite flat wheels, sticking brakes, even unto
bad orders and major derailments, until you are both rendered unto scrap? If so, signify by sounding your whistle
as prescribed by CROR Rule 14(b).
And, (groom's first name), do you promise to pull this unit up ruling grade, using
throttle and brake wisely to prevent rough train handling, broken knuckles, and pulled drawbars, applying sand
as necessary to prevent wheel slip, so that you both crest the hill together, regardless of the trailing tonnage?
If so, signify by sounding your whistle as prescribed by CROR Rule 14(b). And do you also promise not to cut away
from your trailing unit, even when her side sheets have rusted through, and her paint job has faded? If so, signify
by sounding your whistle as prescribed by CROR Rule 14(b).
Now, (insert bride's name here), do you take this man to be your lead unit, tying down
your pin-lifter forever, and permanently removing yourself from interchange service, even with newer series, high
adhesion, high horsepower units, remaining coupled despite flat wheels, sticking brakes, even unto bad orders and
major derailments, until you are both rendered unto scrap?
If so, signify
by sounding your whistle as prescribed by CROR Rule 14(b). And do you promise to respond promptly to throttle and
brake commands from your lead unit, handling your share of the tonnage, and helping your lead unit up ruling grade
when necessary, being ever cautious to avoid unnecessary drawbar buffer forces? If so, signify by sounding your
whistle as prescribed by CROR Rule 14(b).
Do you also promise
to remain coupled to your lead unit, even when he has traction motors cut out, and can no longer develop full horse-
power? If so, signify by sounding your whistle as prescribed by CROR Rule 14(b).
Now, (insert bride and groom's name), as a token of your intent to M.U., make the joint and
stretch the slack. By the power invested in me by the General Manager, Superintendent of Operations, and the Road
Foreman of Engines, I now pronounce you permanently coupled. You may cut in the air.
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