Preparing For The Bolsters

White River Lumber #001

Preparing For The Bolsters

The bolsters were made for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad. They have been heavily modified by cutting the center out of the upper part. This allows the center sill to fit in between the ends of the bolster. Like all other metal parts, the bolsters were cleaned and wire wheeled. All the nuts were tightened and then the bolster was painted. They are slightly bent on one side, which will be taken into consideration when the side sills are added. The bearing castings are heavily worn. This has prompted a change from a roller type body bearing to a flat platform type bearing.

One of the angled notches to allow the bolster to sit flush with the frame.

A bolster set in place. It will not be bolted on until after the center sill is flipped over.

Some of the crew working(and watching) on the bolster notches.

The center sill with the bolsters in place. The holes for the truck pins and the bolster mounting bolts have also been drilled.

While the holes for the bolsters were being drilled, holes were also drilled for the K-brake hangers. The K-brake will be bolted into place later.