Re: Smoke Up The Nose, Really!

Tomstp Wrote:
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> I could not help but notice the constant exhaust
> of the air pump. The air piping certainly could
> use a lot of work to slow down the air leakage and
> it would be a great idea for that engine to have
> two air pumps in case one failed. On those
> grades it would run away in an eye lash. Nice
> video.

Lots or reasons for all that compressor exhaust.
1. She does have two 9-1/2" compressors, so twice as many exhausts in a given situation. Also, 9-1/2" compressors are pretty low capacity, producing about 1/3 of the air per stroke that a cross compound does.
2. The high altitude doesn't help. When orifice testing the compressors 120 strokes per minute is allowed at sea level, 170 SPM at 10,000 feet. You can't compress what isn't there.
3. The old Westinghouse S style governors never really shut off leaving the compressor idling away regardless of how full the main reservoirs are.
4. And as you said, they may well have leaks in the system, and/or the air pistons are worn out in the compressors.

Add all that up and you have a lot of chuffing going on.