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Virginian Squareheads

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  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Virginian Squareheads
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Monday, March 11, 2024 12:14 PM

I've had a question about the VGN EL-3A's

VGN EL3a #107 (rrpicturearchives.net)

Only one siderod is visible between the jackshaft and the far driver.  Where is the siderod that connects to the near driver?

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • 2,366 posts
Posted by timz on Monday, March 11, 2024 1:51 PM

We assume it's hidden by the main rod that's almost parallel to it. Not much other possibility.

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • 1,693 posts
Posted by Erik_Mag on Monday, March 11, 2024 2:22 PM

If you take a look at the second driver, you can see two rods connected to the crankpin.

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,669 posts
Posted by Overmod on Monday, March 11, 2024 3:03 PM

The terminology for jackshaft drives is the same as for reciprocating steam locomotives: the rod from the jackshaft throw to the corresponding main is the 'main' or 'connecting' rod, and the one inside it is the 'side' rod.  Because the main rod is heavier, it hides the side rod when 'over' it during rotation.

Because of the action of the jackshaft, the main lies over the side rod nearly all the time.  I have only found one picture so far, taken from a relatively low angle, that shows a very little bit of the bottom of the side-rod eye below the bottom flange of the main:

https://storage.googleapis.com/clio-images/31019.71907.jpg

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