This is the page of one of the recreations going on
in the UK.

Take a look at the cylinders they are working on.
Is this build-up method simply a modern way of
fabricating, cheaper and easier than a casting?

http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/blueb ... atest.html

Hello,
If steam had continued beyond where it ended in this country (US), the welded cylinder construction probably would have overtaken the cast cylinder.
Evidence of this is provided in the Welding Handbook, AWS, 1942, where pages 1405 thru 1408 document fabricated cylinders on the Pennsylvania Railroad. The first being put in service Feb 1, 1939, an additional 3 in 1939, 24 in 1940 and a further 9 in 1941.
The finished weight was 13,600 lb which is stated to be 15% lighter.
The total number of pieces was 177 of which there were 53 different shapes, the completed cylinder then stress relieved at 1050 dg. F. The construction was conducted in Altoona. Their service record was noted to be "----very satisfactory".
Fabrication today is most appropriate and believe it to be cost effective when compared to casting a new block.
Respectfully,
Dave Griner

Another point to consider, above and beyond whether the costs and weight savings would have made welded fabrication the norm today, is that it's increasingly difficult and highly expensive today to obtain the types of castings that used to be considered everyday work back then. If you are not concerned with a "living history" approach to the project, and the alternatives are adequate (if not superior in more ways than just cost), then why not?

The Australians have had a history of reliable service with fabricated cylinders and saddles on the 3800 class express locomotives - sort of like the down under version of the 611. If I were building a locomotive today, i would certainly choose fabrication in the absence of a reason to do otherwise.

dave

Thanks. Im all for modern methods, makes sense.
The brits still, however, do a lot of pretty nice casting
work. I believe the A1 has cast cylinders.