Re: Rod replacement in Grande days

pd3463 Wrote:
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> If side rods are built as a set (which makes
> perfect sense), when one piece failed, the whole
> set was replaced? If This locomotive was being
> shopped in Salida or Alamosa, did they make a new
> set there or was this done in Burnham?
>
> Phil

No, that is not what is meant. What is meant is, there are lots of places for the rods to have dimensional changes. So you get the rod set pretty close, and then at the end, machine the positions of the pins with the rods assembled (or be very good at measuring). Now you have a set of rods with correct wheel center dimensions, but if you have two sets, and you switch pieces, the center dimensions may not match anymore.

If something breaks, a good machinist should be able to measure up and make a replacement part. You just can't borrow the part off a deadline engine.