Seems UP had a little problem in the service bay.
The frame didn't break, it just bent.
Two thoughts:
Someone didn't read the manual on where the proper jacking points were.
Somebody had way too much RR iron, etc packed in the back of their rig.
The GVW is only 7200. That's not much truck for RR use, but I'm sure someone got a big bonus at UP HQ for suggesting that small cost-cutting move when they bid that batch of trucks. Sounds like some of the people I used to work for -- short term gain, bad long term plan.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
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mlehman wrote: Two thoughts:Someone didn't read the manual on where the proper jacking points were.Somebody had way too much RR iron, etc packed in the back of their rig. The GVW is only 7200. That's not much truck for RR use, but I'm sure someone got a big bonus at UP HQ for suggesting that small cost-cutting move when they bid that batch of trucks. Sounds like some of the people I used to work for -- short term gain, bad long term plan.
Not every vehicle on the railroad needs to be a huge truck. From what I can see, this looks like a signal maintainer's truck.
Jeff
jeffhergert wrote: Not every vehicle on the railroad needs to be a huge truck. From what I can see, this looks like a signal maintainer's truck. Jeff
The lift was set up correctly--if the truck was empty.
On occasion, we get CP Rail trucks in my shop for service. Those pics are exactly why we don't lift them--ever!
They failed to unload the few tons of stuff out of the back of the truck. I betcha there is 10,000 pounds of stuff in there on those wheels.
They failed to use the proper frame spots and bigger blocks to assist in jacking.
They failed to use the right jack, they should have use a bigger rack that holds under all 4 tires and lifts the vehicle.
The Frame failed because it was being asked to carry a PSI load MUCH greater than it was designed to take.
I bet the Lift itself got damaged.
The operator of the lift must be a little slow on the job because he didnt stop at the first sign of trouble but kept going up.
Oh, Im glad the frame didnt fail because the fuel storage tank has to be right in that area and probably would have flashed into fire.
Im sorry that I was not a mouse in the Angry Boss's pocket at the firing.
The vehicle is only good for Salvage now.
What a nice picture to hang on the break room wall for other people's amusement.
So much for the UP "Safety First" logo...
Brian
jeffrey-wimberly wrote: jeffhergert wrote: Not every vehicle on the railroad needs to be a huge truck. From what I can see, this looks like a signal maintainer's truck. JeffYou mean IT WAS! The only place it's going now is the boneyard.
I don't know about that? Put some hinges where the frame bent.Add some hydrolics and loud bass stereo and PRESTO! A Mexican jumping truck! People pay big money for mods like that!
I have to agree with Safety Valve on this one. Having been a mechanic for aver 1/2 of my life I can see by the pictures a few mistakes. The first one is the lifting points. I am going to guess that the arms are pulled in because they were bending at the proper lift points and the operator thought that the frame could hold the weight. I am also going to venture a guess that for a short time the frame did hold and that is how the lift was able to get almost all the way up before the truck folded in half. This truck was not too big for the type of lift used but it was way too full and lifted incorrectly. I guess that UP now has a good parts truck with no body dammage and a good utility box.
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I think it fell off the layout.
Craig
DMW
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No, the man who was on the lift controls would have froze in place watching the drama unfold while wondering "I dont think I saw this happen before"
If he was really a dedicated worker, he probably would have leaned on the lift until he was sure the wheels were safely off the floor.
Then he probably would have felt terror when the weight of the problem fell upon him.
Ive seen strong men weep and blubber on thier way to the Boss's office where there is thunder and flashes of brimstone....
The future would most certainly be hanging in the air and decided very quickly.
Well you all know it is not the lift operators fault I mean how could it be with GM trucks not having "boxed" frames and all. I mean there was too much pressure in the lift cylinders, The valve would not lower the rack fast enough, the MOW guys didnt unload their equipment, the utility boxes were too havey, Its 5 o'clock somewhere and I am not there (and about now I think I really need to be). There was a bolt of lightning that stuck the truck right at the lift point and heated the frame and caused it to bend.... yea yea that's the ticket
"Quick! Tell the boss the frame is hinged and we'll find a way to bend it back!"
"Okay. You go tell him, and I'll take it to the backshop and lower a locomotive onto it with the gantry crane. No one will ever know."
I'll bet the driver is a railfan who collected a few thousand pounds of old spikes.
Nelson
Ex-Southern 385 Being Hoisted
loathar wrote:What was that old Geometry saying? Give me a lever long enough and I'll......bend a Chevy?
"But...But...But Sir, I was only doing what I learned in School!"
Should have looked at the Ford Commercial and purchased a Ford with the heaver boxed frame, Ha, HA,
That was