Early Engine Frames: Forged or Cast ? (NW Mailing List)

[NW Mailing List]

To my knowledge loco frames were never forged.

"Forging is the manufacturing process of hammering, pressing or rolling 
metal into shape. This is either delivered from a hammer, press or die. 
It is essentially the art of heating and working hot metal to design or 
shape that is fit for a specific purpose or use." www.somersforge.com

The largest loco part I've seen forged are side and main rods. A frame 
would be too large to 'work' under a hammer or press. A fabricated frame 
would be comprised of steel that had been forged at the manufacturing 
mill, but the frame itself would not be forged.

I believe all NW loco frames were fabricated until loco #1200 rolled out 
of East End Shops in May 1936 using a cast steel frame with cylinders 
and other parts integral. The first Y6 with a cast steel frame rolled 
out in September of that same year. And the rest is history!

Hope this helps.   John Garner, Newport, VA

_________________________

When the Roanoke Machine Works ("Roanoke Shiops") built its first 
engines, were the frames forged, or cast?

If forged, when was the conversion made to cast frames?

-- abram burnett,
         Recycled Turnips