Mechanical Inspection Training

Rail Sciences offers a quality Mechanical Inspection Training Seminar. The seminar reviews all freight car mechanical components and their function and then reviews how those components interact as a system. The seminar also touches on how different issues such as clearance, lubrication and damping can affect overall performance and, in certain cases, can contribute to a derailment. This course includes both classroom and hands-on training.

Rail Sciences' Mechanical Inspection Training Seminar includes numerous, drawings, illustrations and sketches that highlight truck components, illustrate wear patterns and component interactions. The seminar also uses an abundant number of photographs indicating where and what to look for when inspecting a truck.

Course Outline

Review Standard 3-Piece Truck

Sideframe Buttons
Function
Consequence of Button Mismatch

Friction Wedges
Define Wedge Rise
How to Measure
Effect of Wedge Rise on Truck Performance

Springs
Function
Different Types
How to Identify
How to Evaluate and Inspect Spring Performance

Side Bearings
Function
Discuss Roller Bearing
Discuss Constant Contact Side Bearings
How to Measure Clearance
Consequences of Inadequate Clearance

Centerbowl
Function
Effect of Centerbowl Lubrication on Truck Performance

Bolster and Gibs
Review Bolster Function
Evaluating Gib Wear - How to Measure
Consequences of Excessive Gib Wear

Wheels/Axles/Bearings
Review Wheel Nomenclature
Typical Wear Patterns
Wheel Measurements
Review Wheel Defects: Shells, Built-up tread, Thin Flange, Hollow Worn Wheels

Bearings
Causes of Burnt "Journals"

Derailment Issues Related to Mechanical Performance of Trucks

Stiff Truck

New Car Syndrome
Bolster Lock-Up
New Wheel Issues
Casting Imperfections