Re: Boxcar #3132 Question....

The "split system" shown in photographs above was refered to by Westinghouse as a type KD arraingement. The brake valve and reservoir were detached from the brake cylinder, unlike the type KC, where all three are combined. Both are described in pamphlet No.5030. Both types were introduced at the same time, use the same valves and repair parts, they give the car builder or railroad more options for installation.

The EBT used the KD system on all of their hopper cars because they did not have the space available to install the combined system. The EBT flats use KC systems. D&RG 0526 at the Huckleberry has a KD system for the same reasons. The Huck has 3 or 4 KD systems and in service under cars

Now for my question: Westinghouse made a pipe bracket for adding straight air onto an existing K system. It bolted between the valve and the reservoir using longer studs. It had an internal double check valve that connected the brake cylinder to either system that made the first or strongest application. I have also seen drawings the used a KD system with a three way valve installed in the brake cylinder line that would require a crewman to make the selection of which brake was to be used.

I am assuming the the D&RG used the latter during the transistion phase, is that correct?

And finally, The Silverton train used both automatic and straight air in the end. How was that piped?