Strange feature or detail on Reading G3 locomotives

[gmpullman]

BMMECNYC

On the photos of the 213 and 215 it appears to be the same valve component as on the cross-compound air compressor photo that Ed posted earlier.  Just an observation.

True, however as RDG Casey notes, they were single piston pumps which also have the same, or similar, valve chamber housings on top.

Regards, Ed

[Anonymous]

gmpullman

 

RDG Casey

not a cross compound compressor

 

 

Seems odd that a locomotive built as late as 1948 would not have cross-compound compressor(s)? But they could be a pair of single lungers...

The T-1s certainly did. Here is a pretty thorough look at the 2100:

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/philadelphia-reading-4-8-4-northern-type-locomotive-2100-very-cool.765929/

Photo 4 shows the shield removed and a pair of Westinghouse 8½" 150 cross-compound compressors flanking the smokebox.

Much cleaner shots of the G-3 here:

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/rdg212s.jpg

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/rdg213sa.jpg

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/rdg215s.jpg

I can not find definitive information on the compressor arrangement of the G-3s. Interesting...

Regards, Ed

 

On the photos of the 213 and 215 it appears to be the same valve component as on the cross-compound air compressor photo that Ed posted earlier.  Just an observation.

[ndbprr]

Another possibility is they are capping bumper posts since it appears the shroud is wrapped around the posts and the caps are decorative.

[RDG Casey]

It was 2 singles, built the same way as the other semi streamlined G-1 and G-2s using the original parts on rebuild. The Reading used single compressors more often then not, only larger freight engines got cross compound such as T-1, K-1, I-10, E-5. Other classes had some engines with cross compounds but it wasn't a class wide feature being I-9, M-1, N-1. There were a couple exceptions, there was at least one I-8 that had one and I feel like I have seen a picture of an unstreamlined 4-6-2 with one.

In short railroads built what they knew, the same way the few non Wootten classes still had camelback style injector set ups with both check valves on the same side, really an unnecessary thing to do but the crews were used to doing things that way.

[gmpullman]

RDG Casey

not a cross compound compressor

Seems odd that a locomotive built as late as 1948 would not have cross-compound compressor(s)? But they could be a pair of single lungers...

The T-1s certainly did. Here is a pretty thorough look at the 2100:

http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/philadelphia-reading-4-8-4-northern-type-locomotive-2100-very-cool.765929/

Photo 4 shows the shield removed and a pair of Westinghouse 8½" 150 cross-compound compressors flanking the smokebox.

Much cleaner shots of the G-3 here:

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/rdg212s.jpg

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/rdg213sa.jpg

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/rdg215s.jpg

I can not find definitive information on the compressor arrangement of the G-3s. Interesting...

Regards, Ed

[RDG Casey]

It is just the top of the compressors sticking out, not a cross compound compressor. Making the little shield pieces on the top front is no easy task, I did them in brass so they kept the shape.

[gmpullman]

Here's a forward view showing the sheet metal shields which look like they are more of an ornamental feature.

http://www.railpictures.net/photo/417606/

It is possible that the air pump intakes are located behind these shields. On closer inspection I believe what we see protruding behind the shields is the valve housing of the Westinghouse cross-compound compressor.

Even the T-1 has a similar design of the front-end air pump shield with the signature columns on either side of the screening.

http://www.railpictures.net/photo/526866/

The D&H certainly had their share of unique locomotive designs.

Regards, Ed

[ndbprr]

As a total guess they appear to be open on the bottom and may be an inlet shield to prevent rain and foreign objects from the pump inlets

[7j43k]

I notice that there are no classification lights in the normal position.  Which gets me thinking that those thingys are, yes, classification lights.

 

Wow, they're weird.  In a good way.

 

 

Ed

[crhostler61]

Hi everyone.

I'm currently doing kitbash on a Mantua 4-6-2 and building it up into a Reading G3.

I added a photo link for anyone unfamiliar with the engine.

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/rdg212sa.jpg

All I can say about this project...it is coming together, working well, but very slowly.

My question. Does anyone know what the pineapple shaped fixtures are, on top the air pump shields on top the pilot? Some photos show them open in the back, another makes them appear illuminated. I just don't know.     ????

Mark H