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White Metal bearing Issues

Discussion in 'Heritage Rolling Stock' started by markb846, May 29, 2011.

  1. markb846

    markb846 New Member

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    May have to deal with a wagon which has run a 'Hot Box' I seem to remeber being told, that a very temp fix to keep the vehicle mobile, in a very limited way. Is to put some sheet lead between the journal, and the bearing.
    Could anybody confirm this. The idea is to keep the vehicle mobile until, it can be found space for the repairs to be done.
    Thanks in advance
     
  2. 1472

    1472 Well-Known Member

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    Assuming that the white metal has run then I would say that the lead idea is a quick fix "to get you home" only. It is only a means of moving something when there is no real alternative & can't be regarded as making the vehicle fit for unsupervised movement in traffic.

    With locos we have found that the application of thick steam oil also helps get you a few more miles in the direction of home.

    A damaged axle journal will be much more difficult to fix than just remetalling & fitting the bearing iteself.

    If the metal has'nt run then a new pad may be enough.
     
  3. Steve

    Steve Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    I have heard of oak bearings being used on vehicles that are used on industrial railways and only moved short distances at low speed. Seems reasonable but I've no experience of this.
     
  4. olly5764

    olly5764 Well-Known Member

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    must add that if quenching a hot box with steam oil, pour it onto the box its self, not the joural, else you can alter the chemical make up of the steel, and leads to problems later
     
  5. markb846

    markb846 New Member

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    Looks as if the damage is not too bad. So looks as if Armstrong will be getting an order on Monday.
    Bit of a strange failure. The wrong size pad had been fitted. [too small] and the spring had broken allowing the pad to fall away from the journal. I have never seen a pad fail in this way before, has anybody else come across this issue? the pad was quite an old type,but otherwise in fair condition.
    Cheers
     
  6. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    Unless its a matter of life and death, don't quench a hot box period - let it cool naturally.
     

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