PLAN No. 1140. STEAM RAILWAYS
Oxy-acetylene welding is used in the shops of practically every railroad in the country as a means of reducing cost of repair and of reclaiming worn parts. Each craft usually does the welding of metals that originates in its department: Blacksmiths handle wrought iron and steel; boilermakers, boiler plates and flues; machinists, cast iron; coppersmiths, brass pipe work.
The process is generally used in the reclamation of broken engine frames, damaged cylinders, broken spokes in driver wheels, cracked valve chamber bushings, broken steam and exhaust pipes and air pump heads; in mending cracks, cutting out and welding patches on side sheets of fire boxes, flue sheets and door collars; in welding front end doors when damaged, engine truck frames and cradles, frame braces and brackets, tender bolsters, guides, and pedestals. The process is used to some extent also in building up worn diamond crossings and frogs. Both cutting and welding are used in the upkeep and repair of steel cars.
At the scrap yard the welder cuts up old boilers and other scrap for salvaging.