Re: RGS#1 - 1910 Ford Model T inspection car

Lowell,

The WW&F T railcar has two trailer jacks under the center balance-point. The jacks are attached to the frame and controlled by a single horz. jack shaft that stubs out of the frame on the side. A crank fits on the end of the shaft and one person can raise the car. The crank is kept under the center seat when the car is traveling.

The feet of the two jacks are attached to two steel plates. The lower plate rotates on the upper with a center carrier bearing. This allows the car to be lifted at a grade crossing or with a "cheater" plank that is placed across the rails. The turntable contacts the cheater and the railcar is raised past the flange level so the car can be turned.

Turning is done where there is sufficient side clearence. It's also good to find a place where the track has fairly level ground on both sides, not on a fill or in a cut. This is for the safety of the turning crew. The jacks, turntable, brakes and gasoline tank are inspected prior to each trip. We have an original Atwater Kent gas gauge stick for the railcar since there's no gas gauge. The tank is under the front seat.

I hope someone can get photos of the WW&F T turntable assembly to post.

The brass era T's are classic but the parts prices are up there. Been looking through the Snyder's catalog ... ouch!

Stewart



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/11/2014 05:48AM by Stewart Rhine.