Re: Blind Drivers - a few questions

kcsivils Wrote:
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> Just to make sure I understand the purpose of
> blind drivers, were they designed for longer
> wheelbase locomotives to take sharper curves? A
> wider tire without a flange would not be as
> limited in terms of radius as a flanged driver?

Yes.

> Were blind drivers ever used on standard gauge
> locomotives with long, stiff wheelbases?

Yes. Such as 2-8-2s, 2-10-2s, and UPs 9000 class 4-12-2s.

> Do any of the K-Class locomotives have blind
> drivers?

Not currently. There is a photo of 452 on its side and it has blind center drivers.

> Were/are there any particular maintenance
> headaches associated with this type of driver?

Not really. Don't let the laterals get to sloppy.

Jeff Taylor
CRRM curator of equipment and rolling stock.