Re: K-37 frame castings ...

Thanks Mike, glad to know that the remaining patterns got a good home.

While I was still working at BHM, on the platform of the pattern storage building under the roof, but standing up against the wall was the cradle pattern. As for the cylinder saddle pattern, that was may have been still at the contract foundry along with (maybe) the pattern for the cylinder (barrel) liner and who knows what else. Generally, the RR would write the foundry and release the pattern(s) for disposal as they didn't want the larger ones back.

The store department was responsible for the patterns. After 1965 or so, there was alot of new help in Stores and they couldn't find anything 'cause they didn't know what they were looking for. So some of the older mechanical department men would have to go over and dig out the patterns & core boxes out of storage. They would complain that the new help was not being careful to put all the pattern pieces and corebox parts back in the right places.

I borrowed a few patterns to use for work on the 346. Had to sign for them and returned them when the foundry finished with them.

Another part of taking care of steam locomotives.

Chris