Smoke stacks on Santa Fe Steam

[Anonymous]

Ok, I've got a question about the smoke stacks used on Santa Fe steam locos.

I understand (sort of) the extendable stack on some locos, but why would they ever use an elbow stack? Wouldn't that just blow the smoke back on the cab and rest of the train?

I am curious because I am considering a BLI Santa Fe Steam Loco and I guess they include the optional stacks.

[jimrice4449]

The elbow stack would be used on a RR w/ lot's of snowsheds or timber lined tunnels. The Southern was addicted to them for use on their "Rat Hole" division. SP accomplished the same thing by welding a length of angle over the stack (so it would have a vee shape pointing down into the stack.) In the constricted space of a tunnel or snowshed you're going to get smoke around the cab anyway (except, of course, for the cab forward). Rule one for tunnels...close all the windows! I don't know that the Santa Fe used them all that much although they were a big fan of stack extensions. These were devices that, as the name suggests, made the stacks longer to improve draft (and lift smoke from around the cab)

[Anonymous]

jimrice4449,

Thanks for the insight on elbow stacks. I had seen some on Santa Fe locos that were on static display also, and until recently thought that they were just there to keep the majority of the rain out! Guess you're never too old to learn!

Thanks again,
Ray