Did it hook up on the track ?

In another thread, 27T said:
"14.86, didnt really hook up, wasnt runnning the slicks, and I wasnt used to the "instant green" starts"

So... where did that saying HOOK UP come from?
I'll get back but it's time for bed....

 

dog breeders?

 

Probably from some fisherman!

 

early side-wheel steam engine practice:

In starting a single-cylinder poppet-valved engine, the engineer would lift the hooks that connect from the crank to the intake and exhaust valves rocker shaft, and control the operation of the valves manually.

Once the side-wheel gets up some speed, the hooks are dropped onto the cranks, so that the steamer runs normally. This results in an increase in speed, since the timing of the steam into the engine under normal operation causes an increase in power.

As stated in Paddle Wheel Days in California, by Jerry MacMullen, "The expression 'hook 'er up' to denote an increase in speed comes to us directly from the engine room of the side-wheelers."

FWIW.........