Bettendorf “T” Section 40-ton truck

The Bettendorf “T” trucks were the first integrally cast side frame truck to have the journal boxes cast in them.  A few Class I railroads, and notably the Harriman roads, namely the SP, UP and IC, and the Pacific Fruit Express, were quick to recognize the superior reliability of Bettendorf trucks, and established them as system standards.  However the T section truck was slow to catch on industry wide and by the late 1920’s were rendered obsolete by the advent of Bettendorf’s new standard patented cast frame (see PC-201-P).  Even the SP and UP moved toward the newer design Bettendorf standard, whilel the PFE continued their use into the 1950’s.

This fully assembled, all-brass model by Boo Rim Precision of Korea, follow’s Bettendorf’s plans and features ball bearings, working journal covers, full brake detail, fully equalized construction with working springs, tapered stainless steel axles, and sintered (70% iron and 30% stainless steel) rib-back wheels with accurate AAR profile.  Treads polish to a realistic running appearance.