The outside surface of one of the wheel centre castings. The inner surface of another is also visible in the background. The castings have yet to be finally machined to take the axle, crankpin and tyres.
Counterbalancing Study
We undertook to advise on the design of a new wheel centre for a steam outline diesel locomotive to be delivered to Lithuania. The locomotive was of a new design and was relatively lightweight to suit the line where it was to operate. As a result, our clients recognised that counterbalancing of the reciprocating masses of the dummy steam locomotive motion was essential to avoid undue cyclical loading of the transmission and ensure passenger comfort by avoiding longitudinal oscillation of the locomotive.
The motion and wheel centres were modelled mathematically and drawings were provided showing the required counterbalancing incorporated in a design suitable for manufacturing in spheroidal graphite cast iron.