New Locomotive Truck Design Review & Evaluation

Starfire was contracted by a major locomotive manufacturer to participate in a review panel to review and critique a steerable three axle truck then under development. Following a substantial review of drawings and other design literature furnished by the manufacturer, Starfire engineering staff sat on a panel that was presented to by numerous design and manufacturing groups from the manufacturer's plant. Each presenter represented one area of the truck design, such as castings, combo units, steering linkages, wishbone design and fitup, truck frame, suspensions, and brake rigging. Substantial discussions were held between the presenters and the panel members regarding design, assembly and maintenance issues, operation, wheel life, traction, curving, and weight transfers. The issues of AC traction versus DC traction were discussed in great detail. Brake rigging hangers, curving followers, shoe wear guiding, and multi-axial linkage connections were discussed. After the panel session, the panel members returned to their home points, and provided a written synopsis of the session, along with their comments of important points of discussion and suggestions for improvement of the overall truck design.