What would be the "modern" grade of steel to be used in casting new bolt-on passenger car pedestals? These would be for a three-axle steel truck. The original pedestals date to the 1920s. I doubt they are cast iron.

Thanks,

Howard P.

Having designed, made patterns for, cast and installed pedestals for a
truck, I highly recommend that you consider ductile cast iron. When you look at the application the pedestal is a guide for the journal box. It is supported at the top by the bolts that hold it to the truck frame and supported at the bottom by the binder strap. There isn't a tremendous load on the part. Ductile is easily machined, costs less than a steel casting and works well in this application. A suggested alloy might be ASTM A536, GRADE 65-45-12. In talking to a foundry ask what they pour a lot of and explain the application. It is cheaper and more timely to have castings poured in what is common than ask for an exotic melt.