Help with journal springs?

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PRR5406
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Help with journal springs?

Post by PRR5406 »

Folks, I need assistance buying journal springs. The equalizer plate has a ring cast so a 3/4" coil spring can sit in it. The spring needs to stand 1+3/8th's" tall. I'm thinking the coil steel should be about 1/8th" thick. I'll require 16 of these little boogers* to support a locomotive which I estimate at about 650 pounds overall. Less expensive would be a nice plus!

Is there a size number or code for properly locating such springs online? Can I simply plug those dimensions into a search?

*I love using tech terms!
"Always stopping my train, and risking my ankles, with American made, New Balance sneakers."
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Bill Shields
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Re: Help with journal springs?

Post by Bill Shields »

Lee spring has an excellent online calculator
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
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cbrew
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Re: Help with journal springs?

Post by cbrew »

PRR5406 wrote: Fri Nov 04, 2022 4:17 pm Folks, I need assistance buying journal springs. The equalizer plate has a ring cast so a 3/4" coil spring can sit in it. The spring needs to stand 1+3/8th's" tall. I'm thinking the coil steel should be about 1/8th" thick. I'll require 16 of these little boogers* to support a locomotive which I estimate at about 650 pounds overall. Less expensive would be a nice plus!

Is there a size number or code for properly locating such springs online? Can I simply plug those dimensions into a search?

*I love using tech terms!
Mcmaster carr does have a good selection of springs,
I use die springs and based on the specs above.
these would fit the requirement
if 1.375 is a hard number, then using flat washers to shim for coupler height
https://www.mcmaster.com/9573K79/
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
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PRR5406
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Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 7:12 pm
Location: Eastern Maine

Re: Help with journal springs?

Post by PRR5406 »

CBrew, thanks for the reference and numbers. I'm learning by the seat of my pants.
"Always stopping my train, and risking my ankles, with American made, New Balance sneakers."
Glenn Brooks
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Re: Help with journal springs?

Post by Glenn Brooks »

Die springs are a good choice for your application. Plenty of suppliers out there - do a Google search if you want better selection than McMasters car. Also the urethane?/synthetic materials springs are available - usually sold in solid rounds. These are better in some applications than die springs, and also can be had in traditional 1/8th inch coil shapes…. better living through technology!
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