Yesterday, i was on the bus, passing the rail workshops at Redbank, and i noticed at least 3 locomotives that were missing the middle wheels in both trucks. Has anybody ever seen this sort of thing? or know why they would be missing these wheels. I am guessing that maybe the wheels were removed and used on another loco. If i can get a photo of it i will try to post it here.
Maybe they had to remove then like we do on models, to keep them from derailing on humps in the track. Naw, it may be the engines were in for repairs and they only have enough wheels to move them around to work on. You could probably see some blocks to keep the equalizers from falling on the middle wheel well. I think the front and middle axels have the motor, and the rear axel is free rolling. I read something about that somewhere. I'm speculating.
Thanks watash, i had a thought that possibly the wheels were removed so the loco can get aroud sharper corners, but i dont think thats the case. Im going to have to get some photos, as its an intersting look.
General Motors "E" units had 3 axle trucks. However, the center axle was a motorless idler for weight support only. The locomotives were classified as "A-1-A".
My guess is similar to one of Watash's...over here loco's often get left on what they call (over here) "accomodation bogies", which are often old trucks from scrapped loco's (or even other bits of rolling stock) these allow them to be moved around the workshops whilst their trucks are being overhauled separately. The accomodation trucks only get moved around inside the workshop area and at low speeds, so if you had a 3 axle one, dropping the centre axle out just means you have less to maintain. That's my guess!
That does make sense, and now that i think about it, the trucks did look pretty shabby. I guess they are trucks from wrecks, as i have seen quite a few nasty looking wrecked locomotives in that workshop's yard. there was even a frame around the back with only the trucks, fuel tank and bent out handrails. I have been meaning to take photos in that area as its close enough to my house. And they have built a engine service facility there since i was around the back last. Also i have seen a picture once of an electric passenger set sitting outside the manufacturer's building on what looked like freight car trucks . thank you for your thoughts guys
I would enjoy seeing some photos Steve. That could be an interesting item to add around my engine shops, and give me something to do with all the diesels I have accumulated from garage sales.
i will take photos as soon as i can, but i cant promise they'll be anything spectacular! but for some reason my camera takes great pictures at parties, just not any other time I think thats a great idea, to add wrecked and damaged locos to a serviceing facility, it would certainly be a touch of realisim! Im tempted to build an repair shop on to my layout now just so i can have model wrecks! Unfortunately i only have 3 locos and dont want them to be in any colisions just yet But perhaps something similar could be done with a freight car. and maybe use it as a flat car load
I've seen a UP C40-8 with a missing axle in the middle of the rear truck. It was at Hinkle yad near Hermiston OR a couple of years ago and if I remember it was on the wreck line. I had to shoth the pic through the end ladder of a covered hopper, so it looks pretty strange.
