Re: Need help with Vacuum Brake Equipment

The Eames Vacuum Brake Company was founded in Watertown, NY in 1876 by Frederick Eames. The Eames vacuum brake was used by many narrow gauge railroads including the Maine two-footers. It was known as the "Plain Brake" due to the simplicity and low cost of the equipment compared to the Westinghouse system. The Eames system provided braking power whenever the locomotive was in steam. The round can-like equipment on the engines' cab roof was the muffler. The muffler was used because the application of the brakes let steam through the ejector which created a loud squeeling sound. The muffler kept brakemen, etc. from hearing the brake system noise and mistaking it for a whistle signal.