I'm trying to upgrade my freight cars with Micro-Trains trucks and couplers, but I've run into a few questions about dates. When were roller bearing trucks first used on freight cars and what types of cars would they have first been used on? When were non-roller bearing trucks banned from interchange service? Thanks for the help!
Hi Brian. I don't have the answer for you, but know of a possible source. A recent issue of Model Railroader did a feature on the various types of trucks and a little of their history. I believe it was either the December 2003, or the January 2004 issue.
It's a 6 page article in MR of Dec 2003, p 72. According to that source: When were roller bearing trucks first used on freight cars Because of cost not commonly until late 50's and 60's. Required on new cars after 66. and what types of cars would they have first been used on? Doesn't say, but given there is less than 10 years between common and compulsory use on new cars, probably none in particular.** When were non-roller bearing trucks banned from interchange service? after 1980. (** There is an unrelated article in Trains Jan 2004 about ore trains. The writer implies that in Philadelphia 'ore jennies' were running with solid bearings into the 1990's (as unit trains, not interchange). When the cars were rotary dumped the oil spilled out on the wheels which then oiled the track on the way back. Following trains had fun ) [ 07. December 2003, 16:23: Message edited by: Mike Sheridan ]
