My understanding is that, because of changes in RR regulations, flat back wheels began to replace ribbed back wheels starting in the mid-30s. A few questions to ask:
- When and/or under what circumstances would ribbed back wheels be switched out for flat-back wheels?
- How long did the transition from ribbed back to flat back wheels take?
- What is the latest that ribbed back wheels would still be “in service” on a boxcar, gondola, or tanker?
I appreciate the education. Many thanks to all who respond.
Tom
Tom,
Interesting question that I asked myself a few years ago and bookmarked the following website as a summary for my modeling purposes:
http://www.ndrr.com/rmr_faq/models/Wheels.htm
I’m hoping others will respond to either confirm or update this information.
Wayne
Gidday , The following is quoted from a “Workin’ on the Railroad” article by Lionel Strang in the April 2002 Model Railroader.
“What about ribbed wheelsets versus smooth backed ones ? A common rule of thumb is that rolling stock from before World War ll has ribbed-back wheels and any car built since then has smooth- backed wheels. Ribbed wheels were made of cast iron and the ribbing was to aid in cooling the wheels after long brake applications. The ribs also reinforced the hub area where most cast iron failures occured. Ribbed wheels were outlawed for interchange service in 1958. Smooth-backed wheels are made of wrought or rolled steel and continue in service today. The advent of dynamic braking was a major factor in eliminating the need for the ribbed-back version, as the locomotive provided more braking power so the brakes on the cars weren’t worked so hard !!”
Thanks for asking the question Tom, I’ve been educated as well.[:)]
Cheers,the Bear.
Those are good rules of thumb to apply to interchange cars. There may still be some cast iron wheels out there in MOW service or on cars captive to the home road like cabooses.
No doubt even on MOW equipment there has to be very few cast wheels left.
Paul
Dayton and Mad River RR