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The working end of a CN road repair car offers up an idea of how labour intensive a field wheelset change out was 40 years ago. CN 54401 (work equipment machinery flat) gets a new set of wheels at Oba, ON in the summer of 1976. These 'shops on wheels' came with all the tools and equipment needed to make emergency road repairs, and when completed, the guys would retire to the accommodation portion of the car to cook, eat and sleep.
Copyright Notice: This image ©Paul O'Shell all rights reserved.



Caption: The working end of a CN road repair car offers up an idea of how labour intensive a field wheelset change out was 40 years ago. CN 54401 (work equipment machinery flat) gets a new set of wheels at Oba, ON in the summer of 1976. These 'shops on wheels' came with all the tools and equipment needed to make emergency road repairs, and when completed, the guys would retire to the accommodation portion of the car to cook, eat and sleep.

Photographer:
Paul O'Shell [404] (more) (contact)
Date: Summer 1976 (search)
Railway: Canadian National (search)
Reporting Marks: CN 54401 (search)
Train Symbol: None (search)
Subdivision/SNS: Oba/Ruel Sub (search)
City/Town: Oba (search)
Province: Ontario (search)
Share Link: http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=24594
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Photo ID: 23445

Map courtesy of Open Street Map

Full size | Suncalc
Note: Read why maps changed. Suncalc.net for reference only.

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4 Comments
  1. Sure not much ID on the map, Paul. :o ) Now THAT is being in the middle of nowhere.

  2. Interesting to see the brake wheel and rigging is part of the door. You would think that wrapping on a good tight brake will put a lot of strain on the hinges.

  3. Yes, the hinges certainly would have been compressed with a snug application. Also interesting to note is that the brake rod has been disconnected at the clevis pin to allow the door to open for work. Can’t remember if the wheels of the road repair car were chocked, chained, or otherwise blocked. Yikes!

  4. Yeah, I noticed that the little stirrup is missing its pin. You read my mind about the wheels needing a couple of wood blocks. :-)
    I’m very amazed how the rigging over the truck is so similar to that used in my Dads photo. Obviously a system that works very well and did not need much refinement over the years.

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