Railway Organization and Management Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916 Excerpt: ...in the solution of many maintenance questions. Passenger Car Repairs It is common practice to pass all passenger equipment through the general repair shop at stated intervals, when it is placed in first-class condition, the light running repairs being attended to between such periods at the coach yards. On roads paying particular attention to passenger traffic the cars are overhauled about once a year; on others the periods may be from two to two and one-half years. The factors entering into the cost of such repairs are car mileage and the proportion of the several kinds of passenger equipment, as baggage, day coach, chair, dining, etc. It evidently requires less expenditure to keep baggage and mail cars in serviceable condition than the highly finished upholstered coaches. Freight Car Repairs The factors entering into this cost are car mileage, the proportion of cars of different capacities and classes (refrigerator, flat cars, etc.), and the manner of handling cars in yards and in train service. The repairs are seldom anticipated and are limited to replacing broken or decayed parts when the condition of the car demands it The larger part of damage to cars is caused by rough handling in switching service in yards. The remedy for repairs due to this cause is the special inspection of such service in large yards. Engine Terminals Engine terminals are in charge of the master mechanic, or if small, of an engine-house foreman reporting to him. The master mechanic has general supervision of the entire engine work of the terminal; the assignment of engines; and the supervision of supplies in the store room to avoid delay on account of needed parts, or carrying larger stocks of parts than are required. His principal duty is being thoroughly informed of the conditi...