SP 4449 Drops a #2

smokebox · **Posted:** Mon Apr 09, 2007 7:11 am

For a fantastic series of pics check out

http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/r ... 10,1381701

Smokebox

Stephen Hussar · **Posted:** Mon Apr 09, 2007 11:52 am

Thanks for the link. Neat contrast of a steam locomotive (especially this one!) being worked on in such a modern facility. Terrific photography by Chris Fussel!

smokebox · **Posted:** Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:58 am

The 4449's website has been updated with pics for those who can't see them on T.O.

http://sp4449.com/

Smokebox

John Bohon · **Joined:** Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:04 pm **Posts:** 625

Does anybody know why SP continued to use babbit on their driver brass until the end of steam? Most other roads were using plain brass and had been for a long time.

Thanks.

John Bohon

Howard P. · **Posted:** Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:50 pm

Didn't SP like to use oil on driver axles, rather than grease cakes? Maybe that explains the use of babbited crown brasses.

smokebox · **Posted:** Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:42 pm

It might have something to do with the Spring Pad Lubricators, a SP patent. The stars on the driver centers of SP steam was intended to designate "Spring Pad Lubricator Equiped".

Smokebox

John Bohon · **Joined:** Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:04 pm **Posts:** 625

I am sure the answer lies in the oil lubrication. Grease would run the bearing warmer and possibly melt the babbit. Many roads used oil lubrication but did not use babbit on the crown brass. Hennessey driver bearing lubricators like those used on the Reading T-1 were often used to deliver the oil. I am sure the SP had a theory but I am at a loss to understand their thinking.

As long as we are on the subject can someone tell me more about the SP spring pad lubricators? This is another item I have heard a lot about but have found little information on.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

John Bohon