'Chrysler Design' trucks

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

Charlie,

The Chrysler-design FR-5E truck was introduced in 1947 at the Atlantic City
Railway Suppliers Show.

Chrysler Motors(!) held the design patent but the trucks were manufactured
under license by Symington-Gould. 

They had, as you described, "outrigger" brackets to support a cantilevered
Houdaille Friction snubber, a device mounted outboard to the truck and
attached to the bolster and anchored on the spring plank, which looked for
all the world like a automobile shock absorber on steroids.

The spring plank is suspended from a swing hanger located in the side frame.

If all this sounds complicated, it is.

This truck competed for the same target market, viz. express and high-speed
freight cars, with the American Steel Foundries A-3 Ride Control truck--a
superior design and less expensive truck.

You were very lucky to have seen one as they were not great sellers.

Regards,

Dave Lambert 



-----Original Message-----
From: nw-mailing-list-bounces at nwhs.org
[mailto:nw-mailing-list-bounces at nwhs.org] On Behalf Of
nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org
Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 1:09 PM
To: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org
Subject: 'Chrysler Design' trucks

'Twas in Asheville a few weeks ago and saw an elderly (late 40's-  early
'50's) DOD (Navy?) boxcar. It had 'Chrysler Design' cast into the truck
sideframes. Trucks had friction bearings. Also, had a few extra brackets,
etc. maybe for sway or rocking resistance. Other than that thay had a
Bettendorf appearance.
Any info on these from our very knowledgeable list members?
Charlie Long


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