[RITSlist] Box cars

[Jim Eager]

Lester Brandt wrote:
> Interesting that the Duryea
> cushion underframe was removed and DF2 loaders added.
> It appears that the DF2 was definitely considered
> superior for protecting the cargo.  The DF2 design
> must have had more recent research behind it.  Also
> probably easier to repair and maintain devices inside
> the car rather than the underframe.

Comparing cushion travel underframe devices like the Duryea system  
and load restraining devices like Evans' DF2 belt rail and cross bar  
system is like comparing apples and oranges, as they do different  
jobs.  CTUs are designed to absorb coupling and train dynamic forces,  
thus sparing the cargo from shocks caused by these forces. Load  
restraining devices are designed to keep the cargo in place rather  
than shifting as a result of these forces. In fact, both devices are  
complimentary and were widely combined in XL and RBL cars (L  
indicates loader-equipped) to offer maximum protection of the cargo  
from damage.

In this specific case, the Duryea ctu, one of the earliest cushion  
underframes, was a particular problem. It notoriously suffered from  
premature wear of its bearing surfaces, which caused the center sill  
to stick in the extended position and then release and spring back  
out without warning, leading to may injuries among train crew and  
carmen, eventually leading to the outlawing of Duryea-equipped cars  
in interchange service circa 1972 or so.

Jim Eager <jeager at sympatico.ca>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada




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