Cast iron brake shoe identification

Mike Tillger · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2017 1:51 pm

Does anyone have a chart or spreadsheet with the dimensions of the various cast iron brake shoes used on locomotives (primarily looking for diesel locos)?
Thank you for any help.
Mike Tillger

Adam Phillips · **Posted:** Wed Jul 19, 2017 5:18 am

I don't have any good info but The Air Brake Association issued a technical paper in 1951 titled "Railway Brake Shoes". You would likely have to contact them to get a copy. Their phone number is (916) 645-1907.

Catalpa · **Posted:** Wed Jul 19, 2017 9:02 am

I took a look at the 1951 Air Brake Association annual publication, and the papers which might have contained information regarding brake shoe dimensions. Unfortunately, I did not see anything which might provide Mr. Tillger with what he is looking for, in terms of size, dimensions, etc. If he still wishes to see the articles, he may contact me off line. Sorry, Mike.

G.F.Payne
B'more, MD

Adam Phillips · **Posted:** Wed Jul 19, 2017 3:18 pm

Thanks for looking up that document. In the American Railway Association (mechanical division) Manual of Standard and Recommended Practice (1925 edition), there is a standard for a Brake Shoe Gage as well as a "Procedure for Laying Out Drawing for Brake Head". A newer version may have something useful. Do you have a particular application in mind or do you have a bunch of shoes which you don't know what they fit?