Information AboutHot Box |
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A hot box is a malfunction in a piece of Railway Rolling Stock , where an Axle Box overheats. The term is derived from the friction bearing Trucks used before the mid 20th Century . The axle bearings were housed in a box that used oil soaked rags or cotton (collectively called "packing") to reduce the friction of the axle against the truck frame. When the oil leaked or dried out, the bearings overheated, often starting a fire that could destroy the entire railroad car and cars coupled to it if the condition isn't detected early enough. The packing and bearing had to be inspected and packing was often added at major stops. The Journal was replaceable and if neglected would heat to melting temperature where the alloy would melt away and leave the brass carrier riding on the steel axle. This would eventualy lead to the axle fracturing and the car falling onto the wheel which would cause a major Derailment of the train. Trainman duties consisted partly in inspecting the train as it ran looking for smoke, sparks or fire with the audible report "All Black," to mean the train was not giving off any light energy that would indicate combustion or destruction of the wheel bearings. If the trainman saw "Red" or smoke he would alert other crew members or else make an emergency stop to the train to prevent further damage. When this type of axle box is used, any Diesel Exhaust smells should be tracked to their source, as a hot-box sometimes smells similarly. Modern roller bearings can also overheat, but the likelihood of an overheated roller bearing is far smaller than was seen with friction bearings. Most of the larger railroads use Defect Detector s to scan passing trains for hot box conditions. |
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