Re: Wood underframes and truss rods - a few questions

Jim Grigsby Wrote:
=======================================================
> ...
>
> For those who might not know, a disconnected truck
> is a single truck with couplers on each end, and a
> log bunk where the car body bolster would set.
> They were used in pairs, and when loaded the logs
> formed the connection between them. They were
> coupled togather for the trip back to the woods.
> These reduced the weight on the (usually uphill)
> return trip and allowed logs of any length to be
> hauled. They also precluded the use of air brakes
> and train were brought down some very steep grades
> with hand brakes only, which resulted in some
> spectacular runaways. Disconnects were used in
> the Pacific Northwest until the late 1950's.


Jim,
they were very popular down here too, called log bogies and some are still in use to day



Chris
in New Zealand