With the generous support of a $12,000 grant from the Emery Rail Heritage Trust, the Black River Railroad Historical Trust completed essential upgrades to the trucks of Central Railroad of New Jersey Coach No. 1009. This funding allowed for the purchase of new wheels, springs, and related materials, extending the operational life of this historic railcar.
The original wheelsets were nearing the end of their serviceable life, and their deterioration would have eventually rendered the car unfit for operation. With this grant, the Trust procured four brand-new wheelsets featuring multi-wear wheels, which can be reprofiled up to three times. These advanced wheels are expected to provide decades of reliable service.
The coach’s original leaf and coil springs had become worn, no longer sitting at their design height. While temporary solutions involved shimming beneath the springs, this approach was no longer sustainable. The grant enabled the purchase of new coil springs. After evaluating costs, it was decided to assemble new leaf spring packs in-house by replacing individual leaf springs, which proved more cost-effective. During the disassembly of the trucks, other worn components were also identified and either repaired or replaced.
All work on this project was completed by volunteers, many of whom brought prior experience with similar restoration efforts. These experienced volunteers led work sessions to train junior members, providing hands-on education in the mechanics and maintenance of passenger car trucks. This project not only preserved vital equipment but also served as an invaluable educational opportunity, transferring knowledge to the next generation of rail preservationists.
The Black River Railroad Historical Trust is deeply grateful to the Emery Rail Heritage Trust for their support of our rail preservation efforts. Below are photos showcasing the progress and impact of this project.
Figure 1 – Coach 1009 on the jacking pad in Ringoes, prior to removing a truck for rebuilding.
Figure 2 – A truck after removal, with the bolster and leaf springs removed.
Figure 3 – New wheelsets sit next to the truck frame they will soon occupy.
Figure 4 – Existing plain bearings were machined and test fit prior to truck re-assembly.
Figure 5 – A rebuilt truck with new wheels and springs sits prior to going back under the car.
Figure 6 – A rebuilt truck assembly after installation.
