Question on Alco's double engined 855 in Nov. TRAINS, page 98....

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Since the 286K/315K issue is primarily related to covered hoppers, I don't think that the idea of a mid-frame truck is a practical solution since most covered hoppers empty from the bottom. Also, since freight car trucks are not actually attached to the frame, it might be too expensive to consider a mid-frame truck since lateral-play devices and other such hardware would have to be considered.

[oltmannd]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Overmod

I expect that the engine you mention is similar to the ones built for Indonesia -- built by GE but equipped with the mighty 12-244! Look here

http://focc200.tripod.com/news.html

and keep going down the page until you find a reasonably-well-exposed picture of the running gear.

Looking at that picture, I'd SWEAR that's a pin-guided center truck -- and presumably, if so, it has lateral spring guidance like a steam-locomotive leading truck. Interesting!

How bizarre! I don't see any TM leads, that center truck is for axle load limits. Specs say it can be removed if operated on better track/ROW.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CSSHEGEWISCH

Since the 286K/315K issue is primarily related to covered hoppers, I don't think that the idea of a mid-frame truck is a practical solution since most covered hoppers empty from the bottom. Also, since freight car trucks are not actually attached to the frame, it might be too expensive to consider a mid-frame truck since lateral-play devices and other such hardware would have to be considered.

Good points. My thoughts were that a mid-frame supporting truck on an 86' boxcar would increase the load limit from the current 180,000 lbs (286,000 lb gross) to around 300,000 lbs (at 429,000 lb gross). Or take a plastic pellet hopper and add the mid frame truck (between unloading chutes) to allow it to carry grain at up to 350,000 lbs payload. This assumes that the weight bearing characteristics are equalized among the three trucks. I'm not sure if that is possible.