This summer our crew took on the complex task of reassembling the rear truck of ATCX 442—a process that required cranes, traction motors, equalizer arms, and a lot of precision. See how the team brought the pieces together in this milestone project.
In June, the restoration team undertook the challenging task of reassembling the rear truck of ATCX 442. This process is highly technical and requires not only careful sequencing, but also the use of heavy equipment, including a large crane to maneuver multi-ton components into place.
The first step was positioning the traction motors onto the rail using a crane, preparing them to receive the truck frame. Next, the equalizer arms were installed onto the journal bearing boxes of each axle. These equalizers are critical—they distribute the locomotive’s weight evenly across the traction motors.
With the equalizers in place, springs were set into the equalizer pockets, providing the necessary suspension for the truck. From there, the truck frame was carefully lowered onto the assembly, a process requiring precision alignment to ensure all the components seated correctly. Some final adjustments were needed before the structure came together.
By the end of the day, only one more traction motor remained to be installed to complete the rear truck assembly. The next milestone will be returning the finished truck beneath the locomotive itself, which will require an even larger crane. Stay tuned for the next update!
We wouldn’t be able to accomplish these projects without the support of our community. As a donor-supported, volunteer-led nonprofit, the Austin Steam Train Association is truly a community effort—and everything we do is made possible by friends like you.
Thank you for helping us bring the wonder of historic railroading to Central Texas!
