leaf springs vs coil springs

[nachoman]

why did cabooses and tenders usually have trucks with leaf springs, and frieght cars have coil springs? At least that is what I have noticed. What are the advantages and disadvantages to each?

kevin

 

[MasonJar]

Hi Kevin,

Sorry you don't have an answer yet - but here is my understanding...

Cabooses ran on a suspension similar to passenger cars, allowing for higher speed (when necessary) and greater comfort. If you look at express reefers and other "high speed" cars that were often used on passenger runs, you will see the passenger type trucks.

Andrew