PERFORMANCE OF CHROME PLATED SWITCH POINTS

Chromium plated switch points were tested to determine whether chromium plating will increase resistance to abrasive wear sufficiently to warrant the added cost. Six pairs of 18' 130 lb. switch points were chromium plated on wear surfaces for a length of about six feet from the point. The plating process was preceded by a careful polishing of the surfaces to be plated. The cost per switch point was $14.53. An examination by chemical test of all of these points very shortly after they were placed in service showed that the plating was entirely removed wherever the wheels had contacted the switch points. This failure of the plating doubtless occurred immediately after they were placed in service and was probably due to deformation of the steel underlying the plating causing the plating to fracture and separate from the steel.

• Corporate Authors:

  Penn Central Transportation Company

  Transportation Center, 6 Penn Center Plaza
  Philadelphia, PA  United States  19104
• Authors:
  • Graham, F M
• Publication Date: 1933-7-7

Media Info

• Pagination: 2 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Abrasions; Coatings; Costs; Point demerit systems; Railroad rails; Technology; Wear
• Uncontrolled Terms: Switches
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Points
• Subject Areas: Finance; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00040255
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Test No. 171
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM