Re: Wanted: K-1 triple valves

J. B. Bane, you have done a good job of noting differences.

I have scanned some pages from Westinghouse Air Brake booklets that will provide some information about the different valves.

The first is a two page spread from Instruction Pamphlet No. 5030 August, 1923 THE TYPE K FREIGHT CAR BRAKE EQUIPMENT


The K-1 valve was used with 8" cylinders and the K-2 with 10" cylinders. You will note the reference to the older H-1 and H-2 valves. As J.B. noted the H-triples were upgraded by Wabco or by the railroads to K-triples and a wing tab would be bolted to the casting. This wing is the item 2 in the cross-section diagram.

The L-triples became the standard over the P-triple as passenger cars became larger and heavier. First as wooden cars and then as steel cars.

The next two two-page spreads are from Instruction Pamphlet No. 5034 February, 1917 (Superseding Issue of December, 1915) THE LN PASSENGER CAR BRAKE EQUIPMENT (TYPE L TRIPLE VALVE)



You will notice on the right-hand page that the different versions of the valve were used with different sized cylinders. Different volumes of air had to passed through the valves for the different sizes.

If you do not have a copy of one of the many issues of the K-triple instruction pamphlet. I would suggest that you obtain a copy; either a xerox or an original. You will find these offered from time to time on eBay and at railroadiania shows/sales/swap meets.

Brian Norden