I've been asked to try to locate a set of these parts for use on an active caboose on an active rr. The caboose is Northeastern, apparently built for Philadelphia and Reading RR. These parts are riveted to the frames/sills outboard of the draft gear/coupler and have slots for the draft keys to slide in. I haven't seen a name for these...are they draft key guides? supports?
Whatever they are, would like to try to locate a set. Any ideas? (Quantity is 4).

Bill,
I believe the Reading cabooses were built with Duryea cushion sliding underframes. More than likely this component (Key slot reinforcement)is no longer available, it is a duplex version of this similar part I found on the N&W archives site http://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/detail.php?ID=7067
If there is a problem with the cushion pack, there is a method for immobilizing it in such a way that is safe for service and acceptable to the FRA. A weldment may be the only way to replace the original part.

Mike Tillger

Thanks Mike...appreciate the info. For some reason the RR really wants to use replacements but we'll see what we can come up with.
Bill