Re: Brakeshoes

Hi Taylor;
Braks shoes used on the cast wheels were cast iron reinforced with a steel back and with steel mesh in the casting. A special coating kept the
mesh from burning up when the shoe was cast. Also
the end portions of the shoe were poured to a chill to make them harder and stronger.
The present day steel wheel is braked with a composition brake shoe. The steelwheel and the composition shoe are part of the changes that have made today's freight trains so quiet compared to those of the "good old days".
If you can find a Car Builders Cyclopedia it will
have the data you are looking for.
Jim