Bulb Angle Steel for Carriage Underframes

On the Isle of Wight we are overhauling our SECR bogie vehicles, starting with Brake 3rd 4149. All three of these vehicles are suffering from corrosion to the main longitudinal members in the underframes. In the case of 4149 we have removed the body and detailed assessment of the underframe has confirmed the extent of the corrosion - renewal of the solebars with new steel seems to be the only realistic option.

To make life complex the section used in these underframes is of bulb angle form and such steel is not at all readily available. So we are faced with having some special section material manufactured and with funding the associated tooloing costs. We have found a suitable supplier in Germany who is prepared to manufacture the steel in reasonable (small) volume.

The section is 9 " deep with a 3 3/4 " flange and a 1 1/2 " bulb as shown in the (metricated) attachment.


Does anyone else need this section steel? If so we could make a joint order and reduce the unit cost.

Please let me or Gary Walker know.


Nick

 

Is this the same bulb section as used on Gresley and Pullman stock? If so didn't the LNERCA have some from a scrapped underframe whilst VSOE bought some Thompson BG's to salvage the bulb section for future use on their Pullmans. Of course if it's a different section then........might still be worth having a word. Ray.

 

The LNERCA doesn't have any and is interested in acquiring some of this new material if it is to the same section. We do have a spare underframe but that is planned to be used under ECJS 189, although when it is shortened we should have a couple of 7ft lengths let over! Equally, however, we already know that the underframe will need repairs, although we don't yet know if any solebar needs replacing.

VSOE bought the underframe from a BCK scrapped at York to provide material, they didn't retain any from the Thompsons at Carnforth. As this underframe is from the 1920s it is quite possible that it is in no better condition than the material it might potentially replace!

 

After some delay we are likely to be placing the order to get the 9" high x 3 1/4" wide x 5/8" thick bulb angle special section steel made in the next month or two. Does anyone out there need some of this material?

If so, please let me or Gary Walker know.

 

Are you able to provide details of likely cost and delivery dates?

 

The lead time is about four months from the date that we place the order. Please contact me direct for details of costs.

Nick