Luckily knuckles don't break on our railroad. And if they ever do, someone did something seriously wrong. With our railroad it makes the most sense to keep a broom or two on each train, Alna Center, tool house, and maybe one in the shop.
Even the freight railroads here keep switch brooms limited. No one has the money to supply each car, switch, or engine with a broom. That doesn't make financial sense. But what does make sense is if plowing or snowing, make sure to get the tools needed.