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| Question about Big Boy running gear https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43318 |
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| Author: | PaulWWoodring [ Sun May 05, 2019 5:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Question about Big Boy running gear |
In watching video from yesterday's run from Cheyenne to Rawlins with the Big Boy and 844, I noticed something about 4014 I hadn't observed before. It has what appears to be chain-driven mechanical lubricators on the front engine. I know that some overseas steam locomotives used chain drive for some functions, but this is the first time I have ever seen one used on a "modern" American steam locomotive. Was this the original design, or a later retrofit? Was it not possible to work out a solid rod-driven arrangement for lubricators on the front engine? How reliable is this arrangement, and were the chains a weak point on the class as a whole? |
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| Author: | softwerkslex [ Sun May 05, 2019 5:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
The chains go back nearly to the first years in service. They were an improvement over the standard oscillating rod. So as not to speculate, I will let someone else speak with authority. I can't remember the source of my information. |
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| Author: | John Redden [ Sun May 05, 2019 9:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
I also wondered about this arrangement, after seeing the chain drive "up close", on the Big Boy in Green Bay. I later read that the original (factory) rods that drove the lubricators were prone to bending. The UP retrofitted them with a chain drive to correct the problem. Like Mr. Harrod, I also cannot locate the reference for this, at the moment. JR |
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| Author: | Ron Goldfeder [ Sun May 05, 2019 10:11 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
Big boy 4006 at the National Museum of Transportation has the same gear on it, but there is a metal guard over nearly all of the chain. The may have left it off for easy access right after the rebuild. There are other changes made during their operating lives. I worked at the museum for 10 years . |
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| Author: | Kelly Anderson [ Sun May 05, 2019 10:37 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
. |
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| Author: | Ron Goldfeder [ Sun May 05, 2019 11:09 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
I worked at the Museum of Transportation near St. Louis for 10 years and Big Boy 4006 is there. It has the same chain drive on the front engine, but it has a metal safety guard over most of the chain. I think they left it off for access to make adjustments right after this rebuilding. If you google "big boy 4006" and look at the photos you will see it. Other changes were made during the operating life of these locos. |
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| Author: | aswright [ Mon May 06, 2019 10:05 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
What's up with the 3-4 copies of the same replies showing up? |
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| Author: | John Redden [ Mon May 06, 2019 10:21 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
I hit the Submit button, but got no feedback. So I hit it again (and again), thinking that my original attempt was unsuccessful. Found out this morning that they all got posted. I guess the other folks had a similar experience. JR |
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| Author: | Kelly Anderson [ Mon May 06, 2019 10:45 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
. |
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| Author: | PaulWWoodring [ Tue May 07, 2019 11:16 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
Thanks for the replies and clarifications. |
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| Author: | tomgears [ Tue May 07, 2019 1:09 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
I took care of the duplicate posts. I'm not sure if I fixed the problem. |
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| Author: | Randy Musselman [ Wed May 08, 2019 6:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
Hello, So I don't start ANOTHER thread.....I'll add to this one... There is a sea of posts and information out there but I wanted to quickly ask if the Big Boy has roller bearings on the main driving axles. With a quick scan I am not seeing if they do have them. Can any of you advise? Maybe it's an obvious yes? Thank you. Randy |
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| Author: | Kelly Anderson [ Wed May 08, 2019 7:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
. |
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| Author: | Randy Musselman [ Wed May 08, 2019 7:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
Kelly, Thank you for the confirmation. Regards. Randy |
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| Author: | OldColony [ Wed May 08, 2019 7:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Question about Big Boy running gear |
Another question: in the runbys, it sounds like there is a side rod clank on the BB. Is that right or is it something else? |
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