Large Scale Central

AML 50' Hi-cube / End-of-Car cushion unit

I was asked a while back about making an extended shank version of my couplers for the AML 50’ Hi-cubes. The more I looked at prototype photos, the more I began to think I could do better than just stretching the shank. The prototype uses a Keystone End-of-Car Cushion Unit. Having already done a large chunk of the design work on previous projects, I have decided to try to adapt those to the AML car.

I had a run of draft sills done in .030” photo-etched brass. They are longer than this car needs, but easily trimmed down:

I was hoping I would be able to use the AML underframe, as is. However, when I got my hands on one, I found that they lowered the floor for the coupler mounting pad:

This will make my draft sill ride lower. I haven’t made my mind up if I’ll cut the mounting pad off, or raise the coupler head in my drawings. There is no interference with the trucks either way. I will have to cut out part of the molded-on draft sill though:

Exploded view:

The prototype EOC allows for 15” of travel in the buff position (compressed). After studying the CYC drawings, I have realized they appear to only allow minimum travel in the draft position (tension). The prototype uses a hydraulic piston. I think I can model this with a spring.

Who did you use for .030 photo etch services?

http://www.photofabrication.com

Thanks, I will be checking them out as I proceed with my project. I’ve been looking at PPD for my etching, but they have much thinner material.

https://ppdltd.com/

PEI can do a wide range of thicknesses, and professional photo-etching can be expensive. I am looking into laser cutting as an alternative.

Burl Rice said:

PEI can do a wide range of thicknesses, and professional photo-etching can be expensive. I am looking into laser cutting as an alternative.

I figure once I get the artwork done, I can then “shop around” to see what the best deal is. 90% of the work is the drawings! (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif)(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-undecided.gif)

I had the bottom plate laser cut in .040" Aluminum. They came in today:

I inquired about having them cut in .040" brass, which they said they could do. However, the cost was 3 times higher for brass.