Norfolk & Western Dynamometer Car #514780

Class Specifications

• Length: 53 ft 4 in
• Height: 12 ft 11 in
• Width: 9 ft 8 in
• Weight: 120,000 lbs
• Pressure capacity: 1,000,000 pounds compression (buff or push) and 300,000 tension (pull)

# 514780

• Manufactured by the N&W Roanoke Shops for N&W service
• Cost $38,160
• Donated to the Museum by the Norfolk & Western Railway Co.

Dynamometer Car Description

• Manufacturer: Norfolk and Western
• The dynamometer car carried equipment for measuring and recording drawbar pull, brake pipe pressure, and other data connected with locomotive operations and train haul conditions.
• It was a most useful tool for locomotive design as calculations on the drawing board could be verified in road service.
• Roadbed conditions, stations and topographical information were recorded by an operator stationed in a cupola. Information was recorded on a moving paper chart in ink.
• Dynamometer capacity: 1,000,000 lbs