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From: "Paul R DOT Tupaczewski" paultup AT comcast DOT net
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:58:29 -0500
Subject: RE: (erielack) EL archaeology: Former Erie pig flat
"ERIE_7582_with_trailers-Akron_OH_-_John_Long_-_Dan_Biernacki_coll_B079-33.jpg" - image/jpeg, 1582x636 (24bit)

We had a lengthy discussion about this on the list several years back, and I
think Paul B. is correct in remembering the final consensus in this case.

I've attached a John Long photo of ERIE 7582 - note that the trucks are
almost at the end of the car, and there are three ribs within the C-channel
of the car directly over the truck (most likely a bolster stiffener).

Now take a look at the attached shot of EL 7561 after its rebuilding. The
three stiffening ribs are still there, but look how much more C-channel
there is going to the ends of the car. Also note that the section between
the end and the truck bolster is perfectly straight, while the center
section has the camber of the original 75' car. As a reminder, I also tossed
in my shot of the CR-painted car end. Note the lack of a sturdy centersill
under the extended end.

So from this photo evidence, I'd have to agree with the 5' added to each end
of the car argument. From an engineering standpoint, I'm not sure how sturdy
the lengthened cars were, though.

- Paul (T.)


________________________________

From: Schuyler Larrabee [mailto:schuyler.larrabee@verizon.net]
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 12:34 AM
To: 'EL Mail List'
Subject: RE: (erielack) EL archaeology: Former Erie pig flat



Paul, you are exactly correct that the cars were lengthened by 10',
but not
by adding to the ends, which would have been exceptionally
complicated,
given all the draft gear and all, and would have changed how the
car's
couplers would swing out from the centerline on curves. Instead,
the cars
were cut in half and a 10' section welded into the middle. You can
actually
see this in the photo referenced, as the original cars were cambered
to
counteract the loading of the trailers, and the added section is
perfectly
straight. Look at the photo again and you will note a gentle curve
upward
from the ends to the middle, and an exceptionally flat and straight
section
in the center of the car.

SGL

> These cars were originally 75 footers built to handle a pair of
contemporary
> 35 foot trailers. Soon after they were built, 40 foot trailers
were
> legalized nationwide, and in order to keep them in pig service,
Meadville
> shops lengthened them to 85 feet by splicing 5 foot sections on
each end.
It
> appears that some of these cars, in the later EL years, and their
aprons
and
> hitches removed, and were placed in general service. Conrail was
leery of
> the structural integrity of these cars, so they ended up in
MOW/restricted
> interchange service.
>
>
>
> Paul B


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