Cast iron something , please help id

matthewc61

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Dug up in area of farm homes dating 1880-1930’s . Railroad track nearby an area
known for timber cutting.Heavy iron piece that has F32 branded on it. Dimensions are 3 1/2 “ x 6” and 1 inch thick. Notice lip at bottom and the two notches
in middle of bottom. Top part appears to be broken off,
Weighs 3 1/2 pounds . I had posted before but no luck, it is puzzling not to know.
 

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I have been searching wood stove but agree , to thick to be from stove, looked at railroad components , nothing conclusive. Boilers , steam engine locomotive, tractors , etc. I metal detect a few hours a week on my property just to see what history I can dig up, but spend countless hour of researching that reveals nothing.
 
Is it just me or is the 2 reversed?


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I believe that is a locomotive clasp brake.. brake shoe.. sometimes in a group of more than one per placement.. several used per brake position.. wear out and replace.. it looks curved and broken..F32 probably indicates what locomotive or what wheel, etc...just a part Identification number I’d guess
 

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Wow , that may be it, do you think this would be from the early days or modern?

As as youngster we used to sneak out into the old train yard. Multiple tracks, old roundhouse, outbuildings etc. got into all kinds of fun mischief. Found lots of insulators and bottles while prowling up and down the tracks. I can recall seeing worn out discarded brake shoes that looked similar. I’m sure the f32 is for identification. I’ve read about “F26” valves in association with train brakes. Shoe probably had to be appropriate for the pressure output from whatever valve was applying pressure, perhaps that shoe was for an F32 valve brake position. I don’t think the brake shoe design has changed much. That’s all I have to offer on it. Can’t really help you on the date, but I expect a little research on the matter of the f32 will give you an answer.
 
Great information Joe, I appreciate your insight on
this, I will continue to investigate. Thank again for
your help with this find.
 
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