shop with drop hammers in a large locomotive works. A number of drop-forged pieces are shown in the foreground.
Spring Shop. In this department, the springs are made and tempered, the eyes or hooks being welded on to the top plates. Fig. 16 shows a locomotive spring. The plates are maintained in position by small projections or “nibs” on each plate which work in slots cut in the plate immediately below it. The plates have to be “set” to the required curvature, and are then tempered by oil treatment. Finally they are put together and held securely whilst the central hoop or “buckle” is shrunk on. The buckles are forged solid, and machined inside where they pass over the plates. A double eye to take the axlebox pin, is forged on for underhung springs.
