The previous discussion of 1702's roller bearing problems got me thinking about another way... the floating bushing driving box. The 1938 and 41 Loco Cycs show a number of these, from LFM's design, to CB&Q and CNR designs. The CNR box is illustrated in detail, with dimensions. It looks like these would fit the same pedestal openings used for the standard crown brass boxes.

It seems to me that the increasing use of roller bearings at the same time, made the floating bushing box a "dead end" (of course, in 1941, steam power itself was a dead end).

Is this perhaps something that should be revisited, as a way obtain more positive lubrication, and a way to service driver axle bearings without dropping drivers? The CNR design looks like the lower section could be removed, along with the split bearing sections, without taking out the drivers. Pressure-fed soft grease or heavy oil could be used for lubrication, feeding the hub liner at the same time.

Steam jocks, what do you think?

hpincus@mindspring.com

> The previous discussion of 1702's roller
> bearing problems got me thinking about
> another way... the floating bushing driving
> box. The 1938 and 41 Loco Cycs show a number
> of these, from LFM's design, to CB&Q and
> CNR designs. The CNR box is illustrated in
> detail, with dimensions. It looks like these
> would fit the same pedestal openings used
> for the standard crown brass boxes.

> It seems to me that the increasing use of
> roller bearings at the same time, made the
> floating bushing box a "dead end"
> (of course, in 1941, steam power itself was
> a dead end).

> Is this perhaps something that should be
> revisited, as a way obtain more positive
> lubrication, and a way to service driver
> axle bearings without dropping drivers? The
> CNR design looks like the lower section
> could be removed, along with the split
> bearing sections, without taking out the
> drivers. Pressure-fed soft grease or heavy
> oil could be used for lubrication, feeding
> the hub liner at the same time.

> Steam jocks, what do you think?
yes i agree. i once saw them replace a bushing at turcot with the drivers in place. regards bb

staybolt2@netscape.net