If my Allen mogul could talk, it would scream "Quit water-boarding me, I ain't no terrorist!"
On air, both the loco brakes and ejector work fine....of course! However, on steam, quite a different matter.
After application, lap and release the trapped water in the loco steam brake cylinders and lines prevent the shoes from releasing completely, and drag for some time. Even additional external springs don't help much. What to do?
My Nelson-designed vacuum ejector (18" hg at 80 psi) seems to entrain water enroute to the tender. Another what to do?
Any articles in Modeltec or Live Steam magazines address this matter?
Water in loco steam brake and ejector systems
Re: Water in loco steam brake and ejector systems
I think, typically, with a steam brake you need to drill a small hole at the lowest point in the cyl. It will blow steam while the brakes are applied but will allow water to get out on release.
The vacuum system shouldn't get water in it since the ejector is drawing a vacuum. I've been running vac. brakes for 20 years and have never had a problem with water. Maybe look at how the ejector is mounted as on release the diaphrams will draw air back in. If there is condensate at the ejector it could be drawn into the piping.
The vacuum system shouldn't get water in it since the ejector is drawing a vacuum. I've been running vac. brakes for 20 years and have never had a problem with water. Maybe look at how the ejector is mounted as on release the diaphrams will draw air back in. If there is condensate at the ejector it could be drawn into the piping.
Fred V
Pensacola, Fl.
Pensacola, Fl.
Re: Water in loco steam brake and ejector systems
are you just using a steam valve to control the brakes,John M wrote:If my Allen mogul could talk, it would scream "Quit water-boarding me, I ain't no terrorist!"
On air, both the loco brakes and ejector work fine....of course! However, on steam, quite a different matter.
After application, lap and release the trapped water in the loco steam brake cylinders and lines prevent the shoes from releasing completely, and drag for some time. Even additional external springs don't help much. What to do?
My Nelson-designed vacuum ejector (18" hg at 80 psi) seems to entrain water enroute to the tender. Another what to do?
Any articles in Modeltec or Live Steam magazines address this matter?
when i was still running vacuum, my ejector would run full time and i used a three way valve to control the brakes.
zero chance of drawing water into the vacuum line at that point
If it is not live steam. its not worth it.
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Re: Water in loco steam brake and ejector systems
If you are getting water in your vacuum lines or cylinder, you should make an inline reservoir to capture the water so you can drain it at the end of the day. This reservoir will keep the water from getting into the vacuum cylinder and ruining the diaphragm.
Re: Water in loco steam brake and ejector systems
Another suggestion on the vacuum brakes: put a check valve between the ejector and the vacuum cylinder(s). A Clippard MCV-1 check valve would be suitable. Then use a separate valve to open the vacuum line to release the brakes. This will keep any condensate in the ejector from being drawn back into the system when the steam is turned off. If the vacuum system is tight, you should be able to retain braking action even after the steam is turned off to the ejector.
Dan Watson
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Re: Water in loco steam brake and ejector systems
This is EXACTLY what I missed on my Allen mogul when building the brake system and had the same problem as John M is speaking of. There's a 1/16" hole that needs to be drilled in the atmosphere side of the brake cylinders. This allows condensate to drain out.Fred_V wrote:I think, typically, with a steam brake you need to drill a small hole at the lowest point in the cyl. It will blow steam while the brakes are applied but will allow water to get out on release.
Re: Water in loco steam brake and ejector systems
I added a steam/water separator inline with the steam line to the locomotive brake cylinder, with success. I used an 'automatic drain' in place of a manual drain valve.little giant wrote:If you are getting water in your vacuum lines or cylinder, you should make an inline reservoir to capture the water so you can drain it at the end of the day. This reservoir will keep the water from getting into the vacuum cylinder and ruining the diaphragm.
It was a simple fabrication.
http://www.neidrauer.com/HeavyMikado/Se ... _4396.html