Just saw on YouTube a video posted showing the pouring of the #4 driver center for the new 4-4-4-4 T1 being built.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwbMJnE0lQk

They also updated their Facebook page. Just search PRR T1 Locomotive on facebook.

I have to say these guys are really getting after it. Wonder if they have taken it out of the mold yet?

Ted

Are they just casting the one? Wouldn't it cost less per driver to cast more at once?

Anyways, its great to see them making progress in real metal!

I have read they are casting both #4 wheel centers first. I believe they want to check the first casting before doing the second and so on. The boxpok wheel is a very difficult casting to do. They said that is why they chose it because it was hard and they had to show everyone they are serious.

I understand they have many more parts being made around the country. They have posted sneak peaks of some of those parts on their Facebook page. Should be interesting!

As I recall they had a very clever design on the driver pattern. They only have one basic pattern but they can swap out parts to change it for the different axles, IE, different counterweight requirements.

Just posted images on their website and FB of the casting out of sand.

https://prrt1steamlocomotivetrust.org/store/driver.php

She's pretty, for sure. Congratulation on this success.

Good Evening,

Also congratulations! Gorgeous casting! Kudos to the T1 Trust and Beaver Valley Alloy.

It looks like it was poured face down with all the risers on the back side......preserving all the face detail. At my first job out of school, many years ago we attempted to pour stainless steel castings at this weight level....assuming technology has improved since then. The risers don't look so large....based on what little we see.....less air arcing!

Casting steel is a challenge.

Likely at least one or more thermal stress relief's in store for this casting, maybe after rough machining also.

Very impressive! Thank you for posting!

Regards,

Randy

This project as it moves along offers a look into the complexities of so many of the industrial things around us. I don't have an industrial or manufacturing background and as a result of what I've seen of this project have a deeper appreciation for things like engine blocks. I studied all of the pics of the patterns and cores but just couldn't wrap my head around how all of it went together to make the sleek 72" hollow disc driver center. I like to figure out how stuff works. Found this fairly straight forward piece on Sand Casting that some others may find helpful (http://www.custompartnet.com/wu/SandCasting). I'd be interested in seeing the process time lapsed from setting up the mold (esp how the cores are set in) to pouring to de-molding the casting.

New picture posted today.

http://www.t1trust.org