1. Let’s Talk About Brake Beams!
Miner Series 2000 Diagonally Corrected Beam

2. Topics for Today…. What is a Brake Beam and What Does It Do…
Brake Beam Terminology
Different Beam Design and Construction
Potential Application Issues
AAR Wear Limits and Reasons for Replacement of Brake Beams

3. Railcar Truck – Brake Beam Movement Body mounted Brake systems
Brake beam is the structure that holds the brake shoes and forces them against the wheels

4. Wabtec Truck TMX mounted brake system

5. Wabtec UBX Truck mounted brake system

6. NYAB TMB–60 Truck mounted brake system

7. Anatomy of SERIES 2000 Beam

8. SCT Brake Beam

9. Stucki Brake Beam

10. Brake Beam Terminology
Brake Head
Camber
Brake Lever Slot
Tension Member
Hucks
Reversible Strut
Compression Member
Brake Head Extension

11. Brake Beam Ratings #18 and #24 Rating for Brake Beams
#18 = Rated for 18,000 lbs force
#24 = Rated for 24,000 lbs force
Rating dependent on Railcar type and demands of service

12. What Does Diagonally Corrected Mean?
Wheel – Brake Beam – Brake Shoe Interface
Normal Condition for a Diagonally Corrected Brake Beam

13. Uneven Brake Shoe Wear
Uncorrected beam tends to ‘sag’ or droop over time

14. Diagonal Correction
Conventional
Or Uncorrected
Corrected

15. Shoe Wear – From Non Corrected Beams

16. Simply Stated! Proper Brake Shoe Wear is Determined by:
Appropriate Wheel Size
Side Frame Pocket Angle
Side Frame Pocket Opening
Beam Design

17. - Mechanically Fastened
Miner Brake Beam Head
- Mechanically Fastened
#24 Beam
3 Hucks

18. Different Brake Head Designs
2 rivets attaching head

19. Another Brake Head Design
Welded construction
40” of weld per head
Forged brake head
extensions

20. Miner Strut Design
Hardened Steel Bushing

21. Different Strut Design

22. Another Strut Design

23. Brake Shoe Key Application
Proper Brake Shoe Key Installation is critical to Safe and Efficient Braking and Maximum Shoe Life

24. Miner Series 2000 Brake Beam Head
Brake shoe key - Installed and Locked
Key Guide
Key Lock

25. Another Brake Beam Head
Incorrect Installation on Brake Shoe Key - Behind Shoe

26. Another Brake Beam Head
Installed Key

27. Another Brake Beam Head
Incorrect Key Installation

28. Reasons for Bad Order or Beam Replacement
From 2008 AAR Field Manual Interchange Rules – Rule 6 Brake Beams
Covers Wear Limits and Causes for Renewal

29. Condemnable Factors – Reasons for Replacement of Brake Beams
Damaged or worn tension or compression members – worn or cut to ½ original thickness; cut or notch exceeding ½ inch in depth
Twisted beam or brake beam head
Worn end extensions – Replace if less than 1-1/4 inch
Worn brake beam wear liner – if ½ original thickness
Loose brake beam head – can be moved more than ½ inch
Strut bent or twisted – Strut pin hole elongated or worn more than 3/16” or more or strut bushings worn through; lever slot worn 1/8” or more
One or more of brake head corners broken or worn – will not properly contact, support and position brake shoe
Parts of complete brake beam missing
Cracks anywhere in the brake beam – single crack in wear plates attached to end extensions is not condemnable unless damaging wear liner
Wrong beam for railcar design or brake system

30. Defective Brake Beam Indicators
If any of the following indicators are identified investigate further
If possible do a roll by (listen for brake beam chatter, pounding or signs of high vibration)
During inspection look for brake shoes that are cocked or out of position or place
Bottom half of brake shoe is missing (can cause bottom of brake head to twist inward)
Burned in shoes (check handbrake)
Shiny areas on compression, tension and strut area
Rust signs inside and outside of box type brake beams
Look for strut clamps, rivets or bolts missing
Causes for a closer look are shell spots, built up tread or slid flat wheels

31. Missing Parts, Damaged Heads or Out of Position Beams

32. Broken Welds, Broken Members or Loose or Dislodged Clamps

33. In Summary Beam Terminology Different Beam Design and Construction
Potential Application Issues
AAR Wear Limits and Reasons for Replacement of Brake Beams

34. Questions…?

35. Brake Beams Draft Gears Side bearings
Discharge Gates and Custom Unloading Devices
Side bearings