The term "Plain bearings" is even more correct.
The term Solid Bearings was also used in industry advertising of the period.
"interchange service" is a subset of interstate commerce.
Not sure this is true--a car can be interchanged to another railroad within the same state--it doesn't have to leave the state.
Was referring to the authority of the ICC to regulate interstate commerce, which would include interchange.
Upon further reflection, do believe the ICC excercised authority over locomotives within states, because at any given time, a locomotive could couple onto a car that came across state borders. The ICC conducted periodic inspections of all locomotives, even switch engines that resided at one terminal their entire working life. So, a tip of the hat to prior commentors John and Kent. Presume the ICC granted a waiver to exsisting camelbacks when they banned construction of new camelbacks. Despite a websearch and digging into the archives (incl 1957 Railroad Magazine article on camelbacks) could not come up with any stated explanation on why the ICC allowed exsisting camelbacks to survive. If new camelbacks were "dangerous", so, too, must old ones?
>>could not come up with any stated explanation on why the ICC allowed exsisting camelbacks to survive. If new camelbacks were "dangerous", so, too, must old ones?
The usual reason... politics!
Heh.
It's called 'Grandfathering,' and it's common when regulations change. For example, if an industrial property is rezoned for another land use, existing uses can continue. Emission standards for power plants often apply only to new plants. Ditto automobiles and fuel / safety standards, or the wiring / plumbing in your house as the relevant code updates are adopted.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandfather_clause
If the ICC could have outlawed all Camelbacks (I don't think the ICC had Eminent Domain powers, but I'm not sure), that would have constituted a taking, and the Federal government would have had to compensate the railroads deprived the future use of their locomotives.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulatory_taking (specifically the section on Regulatory Restriction on Use of Property)
You can view forbidding construction of new Camelbacks, while allowing the continued use of existing locomotives, as a compromise. Not the absolute safest course, but not as expensive to the Federal government as the absolute safest course.
Yep, "grandfathering" is a wonderful thing.
If it didn't exist, we'd have to put flashing ditch lights on the 765. 
Regarding the problem of communication between engineer and fireman on a camelback loco, it would be interesting to know more about the possible use of "speaking tubes" on these locos. I have found only vague references to this so far.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speaking_tube
The technology continued to be used into the electronic age due to its reliability and low cost. Voice pipes are unaffected by a complete electrical power loss or by an Electromagnetic pulse. Warships built as late as the 1950s continued to incorporate voicepipes alongside more advanced technology.[
Another example of Grandfathering: The original Volkswagen Beetle had to be discontinued because it would not meet updated pollution standards. However, if you own one of the original Beetles, you can continue to operate it.
Another example of Grandfathering: The original Volkswagen Beetle had to be discontinued because it would not meet updated pollution standards. However, if you own one of the original Beetles, you can continue to operate it.
And every other old car on the road.
Rusty
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
