July 27, 2009

NEW Drawbar Center Casting - Update #1

The original drawbar center casting was in need of several repairs and it was ultimately decided to replace it.  This is a fairly critical, complex, cast part.  This is the first of several updates documenting the new steel casting that will, literally, pull the train.

The drawbar center casting is attached to the locomotive frame at the rear with taper bolts.  A drawbar connects the locomotive to its tender and is secured on each end with a huge pin.

Looking at the photos in the middle of the page at http://www.pointech.com/786/BLOG/1-19-09.htm you can see the original drawbar center casting.  At the time, it was believed that we should make the necessary repairs to the original part, but a more detailed inspection revealed it would be more cost efficient to replace it..

The drawbar center casting was patterned and cast at a foundry in Chattanooga, TN.  It is shown here after it was removed from the sand mold.	Photo: Steam Operations Corporation
At the foundry, the casting will be cleaned up with steel shot and all the excess material cut away.	Photo: Steam Operations Corporation
It will then be shipped to Muscle Shoals where it will be machined to fit onto 786's frame.	Photo: Steam Operations Corporation
Later, updated photos will show the casting patterns and the machining processes to fit the drawbar to the frame.	Photo: Steam Operations Corporation