Please see the second photo on this page, the Great Northern M-2:
https://sites.google.com/site/steamlocomotivephotographs/
What is all that piping under the running board? And it's a single run of pipe, right, that keeps doubling back on itself?
I have seen many photos of engines with this feature, but have never learned what's going on with that.
Still in training.
I can't answer your question, but thanks for posting the link! That's a site I need to explore!
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
Lithonia OperatorWhat is all that piping under the running board? And it's a single run of pipe, right, that keeps doubling back on itself?
That acts as the 'radiator' for the brake air going from the compressor to the main reservoir.
As air is compressed, it heats up, and water vaporizes more efficiently into hotter air (so would be carried into the reservoir and lines to condense there and cause trouble if permitted). The increased surface area of the 'longer' pipe cools the now-compressed air down, and you will probably find traps or relief valves down at the bottom point of the line to optimize how any condensate water is drained.
Some engines used more complex or expensive radiator construction of various kinds to perform this job with 'less pipe', a neater installation, better airflow when moving, etc. At least one N&W A class had this kind of multipass piping mounted high on the boiler, giving an unusual appearance.
Thanks!
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