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Athearn Genesis HO F7 - Blomberg B Truck Sideframe

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  • Member since
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  • From: Dearborn Station
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Athearn Genesis HO F7 - Blomberg B Truck Sideframe
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 9:20 AM

The current thread titled Replacing Stirrup Steps reminds me of a part that is broken and a part that is missing on my Athearn Genesis F7 AB set.

I have attached some photos to view. I believe that the broken part is referred to as a "spring hangar" from parts diagrams that I have come across.

This first photo shows the broken part on the truck.

In this second photo, you can see an undamaged part on the left truck and a missing part on the right truck.

In this link, you get the best view of this part.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/emd111/16406267321

What is the purpose of the piece that this so-called "spring hangar" surrounds? It looks like some sort of step, but I doubt that is what it is.

I have looked for replacement sideframes at Athearn, Horizon Hobby, and other MR websites, but no luck. Any ideas?

Rich

 

Alton Junction

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Posted by wjstix on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 9:30 AM

The spring hanger is part of the spring assembly for the truck.

http://ibls.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=File:EMD_Blomberg_B_Truck_Drawing.jpg

 

Stix
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Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 9:38 AM

wjstix

The spring hanger is part of the spring assembly for the truck.

http://ibls.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=File:EMD_Blomberg_B_Truck_Drawing.jpg 

Oh, wow, that is very helpful.

I see the arrow pointing to what is referred to as an "elliptical". That is the step-like part as I referred to it. Is that the truck spring?

Here is a link to another great photo.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blomberg_B#/media/File:Blomberg.B.jpg

Rich

Alton Junction

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  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
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Posted by wjstix on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 9:56 AM

The eliptical is the spring that sticks out to the side in the middle of the truck. The thing that looks like a large stirrup step surrounding the part of the spring that sticks out is the hanger.

Stix
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Posted by Lee 1234 on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 9:59 AM

Athearn sells replacement swing hangers for the blue box Blombergs.  I would try that.

Lee

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Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 9:59 AM

wjstix

The eliptical is the spring that sticks out to the side in the middle of the truck. The thing that looks like a large stirrup step surrounding the part of the spring that sticks out is the hanger. 

Thanks again, Stix. How little I know about actual trains. Embarrassed

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by Overmod on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 9:59 AM

That is not a 'spring hangar', it is a swing hanger, the same thing referenced in ISH and OSH passenger trucks.

In fact, as I recall, the actual EMD name for the truck uses the words 'swing-hanger', as does their name for Martin Blomberg's A-1-A passenger truck.

This is part of the secondary suspension (the primary is via helical springs above the axleboxes).  A number of full-elliptic springs side-by-side bear on the truck bolster at the top, and on the swing-hanger perch (the part that is broken out on the model truck in the picture) and this provides both the riding quality and the tolerance to lateral shock that these trucks are renowned for.  The pivots for the swing hanger are carried high on the truck frame, as far outboard as possible, which greatly increases both stability and return to lateral centering.

Some later variants use different methods of providing this secondary suspension, and it's an interesting thing to study.  My advice is to post on RyPN and ask Preston Cook to answer the proper-name-for-the-truck question again (or refer to a definitive post referencing it).  I suspect Dave Goding, who posts over on the Trains Magazine forum, is as good a reference source as Mr. Cook in this matter.

  • Member since
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  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 10:04 AM

Lee 1234

Athearn sells replacement swing hangers for the blue box Blombergs.  I would try that. 

Thanks, Lee, I will try that.

Rich

 

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
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Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 10:39 AM

Overmod

That is not a 'spring hangar', it is a swing hanger,

Swing hanger it is then!

Alton Junction

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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 11:38 AM

The Genesis part numbers have an ATHG prefix. I don't believe the blue-box parts will fit.

https://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?CatId=THCR&SearchTerm=blomberg

There are three styles available depending on the spring package/bearing assembly you want.

For instance:

https://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATHG40302

Good Luck, Ed

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