Some more quality issues in Locomotives

If welding, painting are simultaneously carried out during rainwater testing rain water testing will be compromised.

In the Steel foundry(picture above)   quality issues of cast products, need to be discussed., it was told that use of Zircon sand, prevention of sand erosion and use of special refractory material at places where cross section changes   helps in improving the quality of the castings.

In some locos,  axle guide link post weld failure can occur.  Hence quality welding is required. 

 TM shop should be visited to see that Mica ( of PPCL make ) failure which results in commutator vulnerability to flashing doesnt happen.

Bogie clearances measurement procedure should be inspected in the shop  :

Above shows Gap b/w bump stop and U/F.

Above shows Vertical and  Lateral Gap between STOP and U/F .

Shown above is the Loaded height of secondary spring.

Gap between axle box and bogie frame is measured .

Ensure No loco is dispatched with outstanding NCs on bogie clearances.

Gear and wheel pressing force should be examined

Following is the picture of practical measurement method  :-

Depending upon interference between axle dia and bore dia, this force varies.

It still remains to be studied how we can increase this force .