Hi All,

Our NRHS chapter is currently in the initial stages of restoring a narrow gauge Lawndale (NC) boxcar. The car is essentially complete, less its trucks, which were the multi-pieced arch bar style.

Does anyone out there in preservation-land have a lead on any patterns/journal box molds, etc? We have been told that the Friends of EBT may have some trucks for sale, but they would be a heavier style and not quite appropriate on the Lawndale car.

Any leads appreciated.

Matt Bumgarner
Alexander Chapter-NRHS

Some trolley journal boxes were recently cast that might be suitable with a couple alterations. Colorado RR Museum built a new set of trucks a few years back. Our Fair and Impartial Moderator Randy Hees will cast you stuff as well.

I will be among a rust garden full of narrow gage arch bar trucks in a few days - can I provide measurements, etc?

Pleased to know something of the Lawndale is being preserved.

dave

FEBT does not have any trucks for sale. In fact, we are just finishing up the rebuilding of a pair of 1913 arch-bars to put under restored EBT hopper #802.

Andy Nold down in Texas orchestrated the casting of small journal boxes for a 79E traction truck. Do not hold your breath for those. The casting run is about done, the order date closed over 6 months ago, and these are unique boxes with two 'wings' for spring pockets. They would not work well in an arch bar design.

Bob Kutella

On our project, since the foundry still has the pattern they can cast more. Once I pick up the pattern, it would cost more because of the shipping and handling to get the pattern back to Colorado. I know of one organization that is planning to cut the "wings" off of the journal box and use it in a different style truck. The box is designed a 6x3 bearing.

Not sure how much money you have to put into the project, but if you have a set of plans or an original truck from which you can draft plans, it's not so hard to make a new parts. I can't speak well enough of the foundry we worked with, Western Foundries in Longmont, Colorado.

The Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources (SPCRR) have patterns for 10 and 15 ton California style narrow gauge trucks, including 24” and 26” wheels. The wheels, journal boxes and brasses, brake parts and center plates would probably be a great start for your trucks.

We have a photo essay on our web site at http://www.spcrr.org/NARFGrantWheels.html

The group has patterns for over 200 castings… including box car door hardware, link and pin couplers, and walk over seats.

So, now home, The SPCRR has two journal boxes available...

A 10 ton which is 6 5/8" tall, 6 1/4" wide, 2 3/4" x 4" brass and
A 15 ton which is 7 7/8" tall, 7" wide, 3 1/2" x 6" brass.

These are designed for a journal brass without a wedge... They use a bolted on journal box cover...

We also have patterns to cast a horse car underframe, with pedestals, journal boxes and 28" spoked wheels...

I'll be in touch with each of you after I consult with some of the car knockers in our chapter.

Thanks so much!

Matt Bumgarner