CHAPTER III
FOUNDRIES
The work produced in the iron and brass foundries of a locomotive works is similar to that done in most general engineering foundries, except perhaps that locomotive cylinders are somewhat more complicated than those of most stationary engines. The moulding and casting of metals is a separate trade in itself, of which only the briefest mention can be made here.[1]
Iron and Steel Castings. The number of locomotive parts made of cast iron is now somewhat less than was formerly the case, steel castings now being used for many of the brackets, hornblocks and other details, on account of the greater strength and reliability of this material. Steel castings are, in fact, replacing many forgings as well. The art of manufacturing steel castings is a special one, and for this reason few locomotive works have their own steel foundries, and most of them find it easier and more economical to purchase steel castings from firms who have made a special study of the subject for years. Steel castings are used for wheel centres, motion
- ↑ See also Patternmaking, by Ben Shaw and James Edgar (Pitman), uniform with this volume. Also Foundrywork by the same authors.
