Re: Richard B. Jackson's South Park Photo Album

Posted by Mike Trent on Apr 29, 2023; 3:00am
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/Richard-B-Jackson-s-South-Park-Photo-Album-tp18596p18640.html

Thanks, Chris. And thanks Jim for the work you did to capture and share these great pictures.

In the picture titled "Above Klein", #74 and it's train are paused out on the line while the engineer is working on something on the pilot. I believe he is probably pushing the lever which raises and lowers the pilot flanger. On #74 there was a small air cylinder under the running board behind the air pump which was connected to a long rod that ran under the stepped running board behind the air pump. The front of the rod was connected to the pilot flanger lever. At the rear of the rod there was a hook where the rod could be secured by a link secured to a hook on the top of the rear running board. The link may have come loose or the hook has broken or there was an air leak which has allowed the flanger to lower. It appears to me the engineer is pushing the lever raising the flanger so that some one out of view in front of the cab can somehow secure the rod. The slot for the arm that connected to the small cylinder can still be viewed on #74's rear running board behind the air pump. I have seen a picture taken from #74's engineer's seat which shows this link. I'll see if I can find it. I remember referring to that picture when I rebuilt my #74 in 1980, and confirmed what I saw on #74 in the Park in Boulder. The base of the hook is also there, the hook broken off. #75 and #76's lift cylinders were located more conventionally in front of the right side air tank under the long running board. I know, "usless information", but interesting. At least to me, and probably Chris. But I think this solves the mystery of the picture. Just another unique aspect of #74's Walschaerts valve gear.