How do they make C30-7 trucks 1600 mm / 5'3" in Brazil, are there picture to illustrate the process?

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How do they make C30-7 trucks 1600 mm / 5'3" in Brazil, are there picture to illustrate the process?

  • I'm interested in finding out how they convert C30-7 trucks to broad gauge in Brazil, I've looked at standard trucks and there is no way they can spread the wheels the 3"1/4 inches each side to do this. 

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  • The Brazilian-gauge trucks are manufactured in the USA and shipped along with the truckless carbodies on flatcars.  I don't know where they are actually installed.

    So, where does the factory get that extra 7.5 inch?  Longer axles, wider bolster.  Piece of cake.

    Chuck

  • I don't think it is as simple as that other than with the newer locomotives that they are receiving.  C30-7's were purchased second hand along with B30-7's to make the BB BB loco's.

  • GT26C

    I don't think it is as simple as that other than with the newer locomotives that they are receiving.  C30-7's were purchased second hand along with B30-7's to make the BB BB loco's.

    Actually it probably is that simple..

     There is nothing special about standad gauge.  Within wide limits new trucks can be built to any gauge (narrow to broad) the railroad wants.  Used trucks can be rebuilt to with new bolsterd and axels.  Motors, springs and many other components can be reused if they are in good condition.  Most railroads could probably rebuild the  trucks in their own shops.

    The type of trucks can even be changed.  GE trucks on EMD locos for instance. 

    As you noted in Brazil there are used (rebuilt )locomotives that had two 3-axels sandard gauge  trucks in the US service (C C),   those trucks have been replaced with four 4-axel trucks in a different gauge. (each 6 axel truck replaced by two 4-axel trucks connected by bolsters.  B+B B+B) The B tucks used could  either be new or already existing trucks.  They are not rebuilt C trucks. 

    While there might be some modification to loco frames and truck mounting, Any a loco builder/rebuilder or even many railroad shops  could do the work.

    The General Electric U50 locomotioves of the 1960's had B+B B+B trucks, but some designated U50C had  three axel trucks (C C).

    I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.

    I don't have a leg to stand on.