MODERNIZATION RECOMMENDATION

IMPROVING RIDE QUALITY OF LOCOMOTlVES

QUIPPED WITH GP SINGLE SHOE TRUCKS
PURPOSE: To provide instructions for retrofitting the secondary suspension of GP trucks from
J compression rubber springs to low profile elliptic springs, Fig. 1.

APPLICATION: All GP single shoe trucks with compression rubber bolster springs.
For F4OPH locomotive applications, the cab side stairs interfere with the elliptic
springs. A modification of the side stairs is necessary and drawings will be made
available upon request.

REFERENCE: 8461455 Truck Assembly; 8044695 Spring Plank.

DISCUSSION: The two-axle GP truck manufactured by Electra-Motive is available with two brake
rigging options. Until 1972 all GP trucks were manufactured with a two-shoe clasp
type brake rigging arrangement. However, beginning in 1972, EMD introduced a
brake rigging for the GP truck which reduced the cost and maintenance requirements
of the brake rigging. This new design utilized only a single brake shoe per wheel.

The secondary suspension of the GP single shoe truck is provided by a laminated

compression rubber spring in contrast to the conventional elliptic spring utiiized in the
GP clasp brake truck. The overall height of the rubber spring is 2-7/ 16” shorter than
that of the elliptic spring. This difference allows the spring plank of the GP single shoe
truck to be raised by an equivalent amount to provide clearance for brake rigging
components.

28938

Fig.1 - Low Profile Elliptic Spring

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Because the rubber spring is stiffer t4an the conventional elliptic spring, locomotives
equipped with GP single shoe trucks exhibit a harsher ride over portions of rough
track than do locomotives equipped with GP clasp brake trucks.

In order to improve locomotive ride quality, EMD developed a secondary

suspension for the GP truck that was compatible with the clearance requirements of
the single shoe brake rigging components. This suspension utilizes inclined chevron
type rubber springs and is 65% softer than the laminated compression rubber spring.
Since introduction in 1976, experience has indicated that the GP truck with the
inclined rubber suspension and single shoe brake rigging provides ride quality
comparable to the GP clasp brake truck with its conventional elliptic spring.

Recently a new low profile elliptic spring that will fit the restricted height envelope of
the GP single shoe truck was designed by EMD. Retrofit of this new low profile elliptic
spring to existing GP single shoe trucks with compression rubber springs is possible
without the major component replacement that was required with retrofit of the
inclined rubber suspension. Accordingly, the cost for truck upgrading, in terms of
both material and time, is substantially reduced.

L-l The low profile elliptic springs are 66% softer than the laminated compression rubber
spring. Field testing on major railroads at speeds up to 105 MPH indicated that the
low profile elliptic springs provide a 20-50% reduction in vertical locomotive cab
accelerations compared to the laminated compression rubber springs. In addition,
usage of the low profile elliptic springs eliminates the need for lateralstops between the
bolster and spring plank and their associated maintenance.

New design and manufacturing techniques have also provided for an improvement in
the durability of elliptic springs. Extensive laboratory testing indicates that the BOO life
of the new low profile elliptic spring is 28% greater than that of previous EMD elliptic
springs.
.ATERIAL
ZQUIRED: The new low profile elliptic springs are tabulated below for the corresponding
locomotive weights. Note that four low profile elliptic springs are used per locomotive.
For reference the secondary spring usage for both GP single shoe and GP clasp brake
trucks are also included.

v Locomotive Weight In Pounds

230-266,000 266-288000 288-300,000

GP Single Shoe

Low Profile Elliptic 9568082 9568083

Laminated Compression Rubber 8442142 8442142 8442142

Inclined Rubber 9337946

GP Clasp Brake

Conventional Elliptic 8106539 8354463 8413510

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PROCEDURE
Fig. 2 provides a comparison between the low
profile elliptic spring and laminated compression
rubber spring in the form of a cross section. Note
that the lateral stops are removed as part of the
modification.
Application of low profile elliptic springs can be
accomplished with or without untrucking the
locomotive. If the locomotive is not untrucked, the
carbody must be supported while the spring plank is
removed for modification. The following steps
detail the procedure.
1. Disassemble the spring plank and swing-
hangers, remove the spring plank, rubber
compression springs, plates, and adaptors,
Fig. 2. (Reference: Items 10, 29, 30 and 26 of
8461455.)
2. Remove the lateral stops on the bolster by flame
cutting. Do not cut back flush to the bottom of
the bolster, but no more than 1” of protrusion is
allowed, Fig. 3.
3. Flame cut the bolster vertical stops at four
places to provide a dimension of 3-l /4”
fl/8” -0 as shown in Fig. 3. Grind smooth the
resulting surface.

Adaptor

Rubber
Spring

Spring Plank

GP-SS Conversion GP-SS

LOW PROFILE RUBBER COMPRESSION
ELLIPTIC SPRING SPRING

Fig.2 -Comparison, Low Profile Elliptic Spring And

Laminated Compression Rubber Spring

Remove Lateral Grind Smooth

stops After Cutting
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Fig.3 - Modification Of Bolster Lateral And Vertical Stops

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Lc. Remove the spring plank lateral stops as 8044695). Note that it may be necessary to
indicated in Fig. 4. Do not cut back flush to chamfer Item 8 slightly at the base to avoid
the bottom of the spring plank, but no more existing weld. These strips are the same as those
than 1” of protrusion is allowed. on a clasp brake spring plank.

6. Reassemble the truck utilizing the low profile

5. Add the elliptic spring locating strips, Items 7,8 elliptic springs in place of the rubber springs,
and 9 as shown in Fig. 5 (Reference: Drawing plates, and adaptors.

Remove Lateral
StODS

I
1” Maximum
28924
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Fig.4 - Modification Of Spring Plank Lateral Stops

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SECTION B-B

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Fig.5 - Application Of Elliptic Spring Locating Strips

l a 0 0 A Service Department Publication o l e o

Electra-Motive Division Of General Motors La Grange, Illinois 60525

Litho in U.S.A. -5-