Wheel Gauge Caliper

Wheel Gauge Caliper
June 14, 2002

This tool was built to measure railcar wheel gauge accurately and repeatably. It is made from sheet metal wheel, PVC plumbing pipe, a wooden broom stick, nuts and bolts, and a hitch clip. Two sheet metal wheel gauges were made from instructions in The Setoff a few years ago. They are held in position by the two pieces of tool. The left piece slides in and out of the right piece of the tool. The left piece is marked with a scale (in inches) which indicates the distance between the sheet metal wheel gagues. The only critical dimensions are the spacing between the wheel gauges (I built the tool first, then attached the scale). The two wheel gauges must also be parallel and in the same plane. A round hole and a slot were cut in the left piece, and a hole was drilled in the right. A hitch clip goes through the holes and slot to hold the two pieces captive. When measuring, the clip is placed through the slot, allowing the left piece to slide within limits. For storage, the two holes are used to prevent sliding.
Photographer: A. Dingsor

Full view of the assembled tool. The two pieces. The left piece (on top) slides into the right piece.

Front view of the left (sliding) end. Another view of the left end.

Rear view of the left end. Front view of the right end.

End view of the right end. Rear view of the right end.

A hitch clip holds the two pieces together. A label indicates recommended gauge.

	Full view of the assembled tool.		The two pieces. The left piece (on top) slides into the right piece.
	Front view of the left (sliding) end.		Another view of the left end.
	Rear view of the left end.		Front view of the right end.
	End view of the right end.		Rear view of the right end.
	A hitch clip holds the two pieces together.		A label indicates recommended gauge.

Wheel Gauge CaliperJune 14, 2002

Wheel Gauge Caliper
June 14, 2002