Okay, another dumb Candy question. What are those silver things doing on top of those exhaust things? They look like smashed beer kegs. Maybe they heat their lunch in them !
Those are spark arresters, designed to stop exhaust sparks from going out the stack and causing a fire.
Tsk!!! They're pulling your leg, Candy. They are actually hot air dry popcorn poppers for when there's a lot of down time. The popcorn comes out with a hint of diesel exhaust flavor. I don't know if you've ever tried Lapsang Souchong tea? It, too, is a smoky tea that is an acquired taste. I love it.
I had no idea either so it was a GREAT QUESTION as I'm sure others had no idea either... :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up:
Candy, not ignorance. No way. You ask questions and that's how you learn. We all went through that. Heck, today schools don't teach anyone anything, so how else can you learn if you don't ask questions? Besides, here on Trainboard most folks are quite civil and will give you the answers, just as the first two posters did. Keep on asking. :tb-biggrin:
There is one sitting on the floor of the shop at the Yreka Western. They are larger than they appear! Kind of reminds me of an old-time woman's salon hair dryer.
I have always been told that the only stupid question is the one that you don't ask. You ask because you don't know, and I am not afraid to admit there is a lot that I don't know.
Spark Arresters As others have stated those silver things are Spark Arresters. There were several varieties. BN used the style in Candy's photo. WP had a kind of screen cylinder type. Milwaukee Road had some unique to the road. The Spark arresters in the photo are available from both Detail Associates and Detail West.
Yes, many different types. Steam engines had them, too. It keeps the engines from starting grass fires along the right-of-way.
This could be fun! 1. Spark arrestors 2. Popcorn poppers 3. Salon hair dryer 4. ... What else could they be?
