Period Truck Construction

[John Engs]

Most are aware of Project 1197, Construct Period Trucks for Passenger Coaches, which has become active over the past couple of years and headed up by Team Leader Russ Hanscom. Many of you may not be aware of the detail and craftsmanship that goes into the construction of period trucks. Below you will see a number of photos that depict the effort that went into the construction of a period truck, during the turn of the century, when composite type (wood and steel) truck construction was commonly in use. This winter Craig McMullen has been busy working in his carpenter shop on the white oak structural members needed for these assemblies. These two truck sets are for the Cook Car of Rotary OY, Car 053. These are the main structural members of the truck frame and will be sheathed with steel plate for additional rigidity when bolted together. Each piece of oak is laminated to the beam size required. Take note of the complex, multiple point mortise and tendon joint. How many of these have you made in your lifetime? Thanks to Craig for sharing these photographs and, more important, your craftsmanship.

Working the the Details into the Beam

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Making a Solid Beam

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How to Duplicate Components

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Multiple Mortise and Tenon Joints

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Adjustments are Necessary for a Proper Fit

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Test Fit of Truck Structural Members

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It is Ready for Assembly

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[Fred L. Kuhns]

Thanks, First to Craig for all his hard work and great pictures, second to John for keeping the friends posted on the progress being made on the long term period trucks project.

[Rich Murray]

I wish that I were more verbose, all I can think to say is; impressive and incredible.
Of all our projects this one, because of its complexity and because it is from scratch but mostly because it needs to do more than look right as there will be a lot riding on the finished product, is right up there in the awesome category.

[John Cole]

Craig has proven that there is no such thing as too many gluing clamps!