Truss Rod?

[jacon12]

What is meant by "truss rod" when describing a certain type of box car?

[cwclark]

truss rods were iron or steel rods that were installed on the underbellies of older type box cars to help support the weight of the loads of the wooden floors of the boxcar...they were outlawed in the 30's because they would break away from the car's underbelly causing damage to the track , the car, and cause derailments...Chuck[:D]

[egmurphy]

This is what they look like:




Regards

Ed

[jacon12]

and now I know.
Thanks Chuck.

[jacon12]

thank you for the photo Ed. As a new-to-mrr, I'm starting to look at the few boxcars I own in a whole new light.

[johncolley]

Actually they were banned from interchange in '41, but could still be used "online" and a lot of them went into MW service, reworked as bunk, kitchen, and tool cars. Also some went onto blocks and were used for crew shacks in yards, such as for switchmen, carmen, and oilers to get out of the weather between trains. They are a neat addition to any yard in that period. Don't forget to add the potbelly stove and stack!

[DSchmitt]

Cars with truss rods had wooden frames and would droop between the trucks, especially as they got older. The truss rods (steel rods in tension) were to prevent the droop, but as they got older the cars would droop anyway, so each truss rod was in two pieces connected by a turnbuckle which was tightened to increase tension and keep the car straight.

[orsonroy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by johncolley

Actually they were banned from interchange in '41

Not true. Cars with ALL WOOD underframes were banned from interchange in 1941. Cars with steel center sills and trussrods could still be used in interchange service well into the 1960s. But by that time the cars were approaching 40-50 years old, and were almost all long gone.

[johncolley]

Orsonroy, thanks for the clarification. it is these subtle but important details that help define an operating period. I knew you also couldn't push with helper against a woodframe caboose but had to switch it out behind the helper.John

[bogp40]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jacon12

thank you for the photo Ed. As a new-to-mrr, I'm starting to look at the few boxcars I own in a whole new light.

jacon12, If you don't already have any older rolling stock w/ trussrods, Check out the older Roundhouse/ MDC old-time kits. They are relatively inexpensive for the overall quality.
Bob K.

[jacon12]

Appreciate it Bob!

[jacon12]

Bob, do you mean like this?
http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/MDC-Roundhouse-Box-Car-36-Old-Time-Pennsylvania-RREmpire/item480-3297.html

[fec153]

Fellas- the years of knowlege on this forum is wonderful to behold. I have learned quite a lot from you and applaud your sharing with all of us.
Phil

[randybc2003]

Check out Model Power/Mantua rolling stock. Also some of the "Old Timer" IHC line, and some from MEHANO. Riverosii also has truss rod (small) coaches.

Tramps and Hobos would travel about the country by laying wood planks accross the rods (lateral) and resting on the planks. They would fasten their belts to the rods to keep from being thrown off. Thus came the expression "Riding The Rods". My dad told me this, as he had first hand experience, and survived the Great Depression.