Method of manufacturing a multiple axle railcar having a span bolster
AssigneeKasgro Rail Corp.
InventorsJon Odden, Dave Stull
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for making a railcar having a span bolster is disclosed. The method involves fabricating and joining the components of the span bolster in a manner such that a camber is built into span bolster. A camber is cut into longitudinal supports that span the length of the bolster. A jig is used to shape top and bottom plates prior to attaching the plates to the longitudinal supports, thus forming the bolster. Truck assemblies are attached to the bolster and a railcar body mounted to the combined unit.
Claims18
A method for manufacturing a railcar having a span bolster, comprising:
- fabricating a span bolster having a camber;
- creating an attachment point for a railcar body at a raised peak of the camber in the span bolster,
- wherein the raised peak is positioned above a horizontal plane of the span bolster to counteract load-induced sag from the weight of the railcar body;
- attaching at least two trucks to the span bolster;
- and
- mounting the railcar body to the span bolster.
A method of manufacturing a span bolster having a camber, comprising:
- providing a top plate, wherein the top plate is substantially flat;
- providing a bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate is substantially flat;
- providing a longitudinal support structure in an arc shape;
- positioning the top plate against a first jig, wherein a profile of the first jig matches the arc shape of the longitudinal stringer;
- forcing the top plate into the first jig, wherein the top plate is deformed to match the profile of the first jig;
- attaching the top plate to a top side of the longitudinal support;
- positioning the bottom plate against a second jig, wherein a profile of the second jig matches the arc shape of the longitudinal stringer;
- forcing the bottom plate into the second jig, wherein the bottom plate is deformed to match the profile of the second jig;
- attaching the bottom plate to the longitudinal support;
- and
- creating an attachment point at a raised peak of the camber in the span bolster,
- wherein the raised peak is positioned above a horizontal plane of the span bolster to counteract load-induced sag.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.