I have seen discussions on other boards about the Wagner bypass system used by Santa Fe steam locomotives, consisting of a "third" cylinder housing above the piston and valve housings. It was a system to keep lube oil in the valve and cylinder chests while the engine was drifting. I just noticed on the P&LE Berkshires that there was some similar plumbing, but no third housing. Can any of you steam guys identify what this was for? Thanks.
Fitz, I don't know how they worked but ,yes these were called drifting valves and I think they served the same purpose as the SF valves. LEW
Thanks, LEW. I just learned that some "eastern" railroads (NYCS?) used a type that was vented to the outside atmosphere. That's sorta what this looks like, doesn't it?
