(rail transport) Equipment for applying sand onto rails, to aid adhesion in slippery conditions.
1940 November, “Notes and News: A Highland Collision”, in Railway Magazine, page 612:
The provision of sanding-gear on brake vans operating over such lines should be compulsory (this old Highland brake was not so fitted); [...].
1962 June, “The 2,800 h.p. Brush "Falcon" diesel-electric”, in Modern Railways, page 379:
Foot pedals in the driving cabs operate electro-pneumatic sanding gear to provide sand for the leading wheels of each bogie in each direction of travel.
