Brake system cocks

In the "SD40-2 Operator's Manual - Section 2" is the following "NOTE: By AAR standard all cocks in the brake system except brake pipe end cocks have handles perpendicular to pipe when open." All boat sea cocks I know of are like brake pipe angle cocks, as are all other cocks I am aware of. Does anyone know the AAR reasoning behind this cognitively dissonant choice?

There is a very good reason for having the handle opposite of 'normal'. Visability, with the handle crosswise to the pipe it is much more easily seen by a car inspector. In that way one can tell if the cock is open (cross wise)or closed (in line) without crawling under the car. Angle cocks (brake pipe) are normally open when connected between cars thus the handles being in line with the pipe indicate that it is open.

ex Budd man wrote:There is a very good reason for having the handle opposite of 'normal'. Visability, with the handle crosswise to the pipe it is much more easily seen by a car inspector. In that way one can tell if the cock is open (cross wise)or closed (in line) without crawling under the car. Angle cocks (brake pipe) are normally open when connected between cars thus the handles being in line with the pipe indicate that it is open.

Point very well taken. . . Safety First for the car inspector. Thank you.