Hi all. I am new to this particular department on the forum. My great intrest is in the 3rd Division of the CNO&TP/Southern Railway System. I have several reference books that mention the Wimple Duct or smoke deflector that is not the elephant ear type so comon on some of the NEastern RR's. For the most part, these devices were installdd on the steam engine types 4-8-2, 2-10-2, and some of the Ps-4's 4-6-2. The primary reason were the tunnels mainly in the 'rat hole' division bnetween Oakdale, TN and Danville, KY.
What I am looking for are some possible drawings of the Wimple Duts or photos that show more than a ground level-looking up shots. I am modeling in HO the Chattanooga to Oakdale division and am planning on building the duts for my models of the above engine types.
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Shortline Joe
Hi Joe,
I don't know where to find the drawings you seek, but you might have better luck asking for them by the correct name, "Wimble" rather than "wimple." B.A. Wimble was a CNO&TP locomotive engineer who invented the ducts that bear his name in the 1920s; a "wimple" is one of those pointed hats worn by ladies in medieval times
Good luck,
Andy
Andy Sperandeo MODEL RAILROADER Magazine
Hi Andy,
Thank you for correcting my error on the "Wimble" duct spelling and the information on B.A. Wimble. This will give me some additional data to research the issue further, perhaps at our regional history library here in Chattanopoga. They do have an extinsive photo and reference book archives and copies of pages or pics may be purchased from them.
I have already checked with all my retired Southern and NS friends and they were not able to assist further. As a young Boy Scout camping near the CNO&TP main, I recall seeing high-balling trains, both passenger and freight, heating up the high rails southbound to Chattanooga and the Terminal Station. A few of those wonderful steam engines I recall seeing the elephant ear type defectors but not the Wimble type. Perhaps it was something the CNO&TP/Southern was experimenting with on the Mountain type engines they ran on that division?
Again thank you and keep writing those great articles for MR.
Joe