Abstract: An axlebox retainer key (50) is disclosed for fitting to a pedestal leg (24) of a sideframe of a rail wagon bogie. The key (50) comprises a body which has a basal projection (52) which extends in use into a cavity or hole (42) which is formed in the pedestal leg (24). The key (50) also has an upper surface recess (60) which is arranged to receive a locking pin (66) which can be axially inserted to maintain the key (50) at the pedestal leg (24). The locking pin (66) is also inserted via the pedestal leg side wall (30) which incorporates a through-hole (82) through which the locking pin (66) is passed. To install the key (50), an operator first positions the basal projection (52) of the key (50) in the cavity or a hole (42) that is formed in the pedestal leg (24), and then moves the locking pin 66 across the key (50) via the through-hole (82) in the side wall (30) so as to secure the key (50) to the pedestal (24).

Abstract: A freight rail car suspension has independent but co-operating springs; a first spring is load carrying and has a variable damping function and a second control spring operates on a friction shoe to apply a constant damping component. A practical embodiment has a friction shoe engaged for vertical displacement by the first spring which is mounted on a side frame and the second spring is obliquely arranged between the bolster of the bogie and the friction shoe, which has guides to cause it to move into greater frictional engagement upon load being applied through the spring. This arrangement provides a dual damping characteristic involving both constant damping and variable damping forces.

Abstract: A freight rail car suspension has independent but co-operating springs; a first spring is load carrying and has a variable damping function and a second control spring operates on a friction shoe to apply a constant damping component. A practical embodiment has a friction shoe engaged for vertical displacement by the first spring which is mounted on a side frame and the second spring is obliquely arranged between the bolster of the bogie and the friction shoe, which has guides to cause it to move into greater frictional engagement upon load being applied through the spring. This arrangement provides a dual damping characteristic involving both constant damping and variable damping forces.

Abstract: An axlebox retainer key (50) is disclosed for fitting to a pedestal leg (24) of a sideframe of a rail wagon bogie. The key (50) comprises a body which has a basal projection (52) which extends in use into a cavity or hole (42) which is formed in the pedestal leg (24). The key (50) also has an upper surface recess (60) which is arranged to receive a locking pin (66) which can be axially inserted to maintain the key (50) at the pedestal leg (24). The locking pin (66) is also inserted via the pedestal leg side wall (30) which incorporates a through-hole (82) through which the locking pin (66) is passed. To install the key (50), an operator first positions the basal projection (52) of the key (50) in the cavity or a hole (42) that is formed in the pedestal leg (24), and then moves the locking pin 66 across the key (50) via the through-hole (82) in the side wall (30) so as to secure the key (50) to the pedestal (24).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a wear plate assembly including a front striker assembly 10 having a pair of opposing front stopping members 12 and a front striker member 14 all being detachably mounted to a draft sill 16 of a conventional construction. A pair of opposing rear stopping members 18 are also detachably mounted in the draft sill 16. The front and rear wear plates 20 and 22 are detachably fitted to the front and rear stopping members 12 and 18, respectively. A draft gear assembly 30 together with a follow plate 32 of a conventional construction housed within the draft sill 16 between the front and rear stopping members 12 and 18. A yoke 34 longitudinally encircles the draft gear assembly 30 and a connecting pin 36 engages aligned apertures in the yoke 34 and a coupling member 38.