This used to go on countless times a day all around the country. Without much thought to how, the denizens of roundhouses changed tires as a matter of routine. Now it's not so routine and the skills and knowledge are fading. See how the crew at Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad "re-shoed" West Fork Lumber #91.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=326704
There's a link in the caption to more photos of the work done that day.
Until recently, BRC still used tires on its diesels, not sure if they still do so.
Not so fast. I still heat to expand ring gears on diesel flywheels and other parts. Also dry ice or liquid nitrogen to shrink parts to fit. The secret is to know when to stop heating before the parts are ruined or seizes before it seats. An old timer taught me that when your spit sizzles and evaporates in a blink then its hot enough. If no sizzle then its too hot. Turning it blue will draw the temper out. Bearings and gears get heated in our oven. If its too big for the oven I use a rosebud torch or weed burner.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Steamtown NHS has had the same thing on their website for a couple years now.
http://www.nps.gov/stea/photosmultimedia/upload/changing_a_tire.pdf
Any source preserving and making this information available is good for the historic preservation movement.
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