CoasterQuest.com -- Coaster Rehab 5

The articulators in each car are removed for NDT.

thawkcar2.jpg (36606 bytes)

1 - The green line here shows the axis on which the articulator housing pivots. This whole rectangle frame piece outlined in purple is called an articulator. This feature is only found on the rear of certain coaster cars to allow the car more freedom to move more smoothly on the track.

2 - This demonstrates that the track wheels are mounted onto the articulator frame. The friction wheel/ safety wheel housings are also mounted onto the articulator from the under-side. This way, this articulator moves on the track independantly from the front half of the car, allowing better twist ability.

3 - This arrow is pointing to the lower frame, which is also seen in the photo below. This is also seperated from the upper half of the car in order to have the welds tested and repaired if necessary. Some coasters require no repairs, while others can need parts welded or replaced. It all depends on the severity of the forces applied during operation during the season.

3 - This is the lower steel frame of a wooden coaster, removed for testing.
4 - These 3 odd-shaped strips of metal are the old-fashioned style of skid-brake shoes. You can see how they are bolted up through the main frame.
5 - These steel plates are welded onto the lower frame. They have holes in them, through which the bolts are inserted to connect the upper and lower frames.
6 - Barely visible here, this is where the chain dog is secured onto the lower frame.