Re: Salida work train car 07407 brake question

First off Chris, that's a neat picture you picked to illustrate your point. I am constantly amazed by what you find.

For 07407, the Grande did indeed use the steel under frame from a wreaked RGS/C&S stock car with new side and end sills. Everything lines up and there's an AFE that states as much. What they did for the brakes is where it gets interesting, if it's obvious to some it isn't to me. I find it a fascinating puzzle. Most of the brake hardware specific to SUF cars was likely employed in this build, I'm thinkin', with variations like the return spring added to make it work.

They did not use the offset chain roller, as you noted, which the C&S employed on it's steel under framed cars (and truss rod cars as well). In the photo below, the device within the circle I thought at first could be the chain roller (without a chain, and the angles are all wrong) but now assume it's a live lever bracket, so at least we have a few clues to work with. I'll draw this arrangement out, post it, and we can kick it around.

Thanks everyone,
Mike