Steel Car Framing. As a result of the demands of the officials of the New York Subway for cars of greater strength and less subject to danger from fire, much progress has been made in the last few years in the construction of cars with steel framing. Steel construction is much more expensive than that in which the framing is of wood and is considerably heavier. The advantages lie partly in the fact that it is more durable, but the great reason for the interest with which the new style of construction has been received is that the danger of collapse and consequent injury to passengers, in case of accident, is greatly diminished.
Car Weights. The total weight of a street car with a body 16 feet long over corner posts mounted on a single truck with two motors is approximately 14,000 pounds. Of this the body weighs about 4,500 pounds, the truck 4,400 pounds, and the motors and the electrical equipment the remaining 5,100 pounds. The weights of the separate parts of a certain interurban car measuring 52 feet 6 inches over the bumpers mounted on double trucks, one of which carried two motors, is body 34,065, motor truck 9,565, trail truck 6,670, electrical equipment 12,800; total 63,100.
An interurban car of about the same size as the one just mentioned but equipped with four motors gave the following weights: Body with controller and resistance grids 39,000 pounds, trucks 19,130 pounds, motors 15,420 pounds; total 73,550 pounds.
Car Painting. A great deal of attention is given to the proper painting of cars. A car painted with care and proper materials always presents an attractive appearance, while one carelessly painted is readily noticeable. New cars go through an elaborate painting process. The time required is from two to three weeks. The following scheme may be regarded as an example of a good process:
A coat of primer is given the car the first day. On the third day all irregularities are puttied up smooth. On the fourth and fifth days a heavy primer is applied, one coat on each day. A coat of filler is given on the sixth day and allowed to harden the following day. The next paint applied is termed a guide coat. This is of a color different from the preceding ones and serves as a guide for the rubbers, who on the following day go over the car with mineral wool, fine sandpaper, or pumice stone, and rub it until the guide coat is worn away. This assures an even and smooth surface. On the tenth day the car is allowed to stand. A coat of the color desired is applied, one on each of the following three days. On the fourteenth and fifteenth days the car is striped with the desired ornaments and lettered. This is usually done in aluminum or gold leaf. The car is then given three coats of varnish on alternate days, and the work is completed. The best practice brings the cars in once each year to be revarnished.
TYPICAL HIGH GRADE TRACK CONSTRUCTION.
J. G. White & Co.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS.
PART II.