Steerable Trucks

[shayfan84325]

I was watching one of the recent Model Railroader DVDs about prototype diesel locomotives, and they mentioned that some have "steerable trucks."  What is that?  I always figured that the rails steer the trucks.

[J. Edgar]

the way i understand it is this......the truck is more or less hinged in the middle allowing a shorter ridged wheelbase per truck.....means less flange and rail wear as well as better adhesion......and im sure theres tons of details and drawings to follow

[shayfan84325]

That makes sense.

Thanks!

[oltmannd]

They are also called radial trucks.  They allow each axle to be exactly perpendicular to the rail.  In addition to advantages already listed, it will allow six axle locomtives to venture onto track normally restricted to 4 axles due to track curvature.

[CPRail modeler]

Here are some pictures of Self-Steering Trucks made by GE:

And the phase 2 truck:

[M636C]

Here are some pictures of Self-Steering Trucks made by GE:

And the phase 2 truck:

 

I didn't know that CP had any phase 2 GE trucks.

How many units have them?

 

M636C

[beaulieu]

I didn't know that CP had any phase 2 GE trucks.

How many units have them?

M636C

 

They had a small number as a test (4 IIRC). Now CP has given up on GE's self-steering truck completely and gone back to the HiAd (aka Rollerblade design).  

[Bryan Jones]

I didn't know that CP had any phase 2 GE trucks.

How many units have them?

M636C

 

They had a small number as a test (4 IIRC). Now CP has given up on GE's self-steering truck completely and gone back to the HiAd (aka Rollerblade design).  

 

 

 CP only had 1 unit with the Generation II steerable trucks, CP AC4400CW #8501. Those trucks were swapped out for the more common Generation I steerable trucks a few years ago. The Generation II steerable trucks are pretty rare and never made it into full production. CSX AC6000CW #600 tested with them for a brief period, one of the GE AC6000CW test/demo units has them and the 8 BHP Iron Ore AC6000CW's have them.

 

 Bryan Jones-- Brooks,KY

[Railway Man]

They are also called radial trucks.  They allow each axle to be exactly perpendicular to the rail.  In addition to advantages already listed, it will allow six axle locomtives to venture onto track normally restricted to 4 axles due to track curvature.

 ... trading cost of bogie purchase and maintenance for cost of wheel truing and replacement, and cost of rail wear, tie wear, and inserting better curve ties, rail braces, and other jewelry intended to keep the rail from rolling over.

RWM