Before I continue with this series I'd better give an idea what was the purpose of this machine for those non-steel folks. The ore transfer car that I am modeling is based on the prototype machines used at Bethlehem Steel (Lehigh) to transport iron ore and maybe limestone? from the ore yard/sintering plant to the blast furnace storage bins via the highline. Each unit was self propelled using electric traction motors drawing power from an overhead trolley wire. Bethlehem Steel's units were somewhat unique in that they used a wide - gauge track (7' 10" between rails). Presumably this was so the transfer cars could be larger and carry more ore. Once over the appropriate bins the side doors would open and the contents of the car would fill the bins for use later in the blast furnace. See photo of the prototype.
Returning to the model - I added some 1/16 angle stock to the sides of the hopper to simulate the ribs. Also, I started construction of the trucks. You can see how I built the wheelsets and set them for the wider gauge. I used .040 styrene for the side frame base and styrene tubing (round and rectangle) for the hubs. More to come on these.
No comments:
Post a Comment