Guard irons and industrial locos

[davknigh]

In looking at the pictures of industrial and light railway locos in books and magazines there seems to be no firm pattern as to whether the engines have or don't have guard irons fitted. Was there a rule of thumb that was followed such as top speed or track type that determined the use or non use of guard irons?

 

Cheers,

 

David

[Arthur]

 

Many industrials had very deep buffer beams which would obviate the need for guard irons. As to there being any rule of thumb, I suspect it was down to the whim or opinion of the resident engineer.

 

.

[avonside1563]

A lot of industrial concerns also used a beam across the bottom of the frames to reduce the damage sustained during derailments as in the photo linked of one of the Castle Donnington locos

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/69947186@N08/6358132743

[IWCR]

Most  locos  had  guard  irons  when  built  even  those  with  deep  frames  &  buffer  beams.

However  poor  track  often  resulted  in them  grounding  hence  being  removed, 

Also  they  could  be  removed  following  a  derailment  to  aid  jacking  or  re-railing  with  ramps  or   timbers.  Easier  to  then  leave  them  of  to  make  it  quicker  next  time.

 

Pete

[Mark Saunders]

Most  locos  had  guard  irons  when  built  even  those  with  deep  frames  &  buffer  beams.

However  poor  track  often  resulted  in them  grounding  hence  being  removed, 

Also  they  could  be  removed  following  a  derailment  to  aid  jacking  or  re-railing  with  ramps  or   timbers.  Easier  to  then  leave  them  of  to  make  it  quicker  next  time.

 

Pete

I understood it was the other way so that there was less packing and jacking when on the bottom!

 

Mark Saunders

[Arthur]

 

Most  locos  had  guard  irons  when  built  even  those  with  deep  frames  &  buffer  beams.

Pete

Not sure that's true for industrials. A quick look at works photographs of Yorkshire Engine Company industrial steam locomotives shows not one fitted with guard irons.

[Michael Edge]

The deep buffer beams or additional lower beams were fitted to prevent the loco turning over in the event of a derailment, thick deep buffer beams also added a lot of useful weight. Guard irons were fitted to remove small obstacles from the rail, Hunslet frequently used both. On the Mersey Docks system guard irons were routinely unbolted and swung upwards, presumably to avoid catching on uneven track.