Uh, lesee.
When you get into that size of hardware, the local "True Value" is usually out of stock. So we make them. The other thing is that by the time you get to that size, the bolts most of the time have a taper to them, 1/16" to the foot or so, and they are made for the specific hole, and then driven home with an air hammer ( and not one of those things they use to knock muuflers off
), the taper actually holds the bolt in place and the nut just keeps it from working once it's in service.
I will see if I can come up with a picture of where some of these are used.
We cut rail with an oversized gas powered abrasive cut off saw. Like you see the fire dept use. It has a clamp that goes over the rail, so you can get a straight cut and control it. All of our rail here is at least 90 lbs to the yard, and most of it is 114. Our locomotives are 10 tons to the axle, and lighter rail protests. Since we use "relay" rail, it is jointed, and for what we are trying to do, the "clickity clack" is part of the atmosphere of the place.
ThinkGood, we use a lot of rivets too. Heat em up with electricity. We have this antique gizmatron with copper jaws that works in the same way as the worlds largest soldering iron. Takes about 6 seconds to heat a 1" x 6" steel rivet to white hot and sparking.
Sorry Scott, fresh out of Shay's. There are a few cadavers across the street in the museum, but they are long dead. Lots of noise and commotion, not much movement.
I will try to get some picutres later today.
TW
[This message has been edited by Trainwire (edited 04-23-2004).]