Re: xKCC Parlor Car

I am anxious to see the Baker heater. In some old books I've seen diagrams of the piping. It doesn't look too complicated. Among my several hats I do work on heating systems and it is fairly common in this area for old houses built in the teens and twenties to have the equivalent, which is commonly refered to as a gravity hot water system. My own house has this. The water circulates without a pump due to the difference in density of hot water vs. cooler returning water. It is very important that all supply piping grade upward or level at least in the direction of flow, with a few exceptions that will induce a downward flow in part of the piping. The return piping would grade down or level in the direction of flow. I have seen piping screwed up in houses and grade the wrong way so it won't circulate properly usually due to missing hanger straps. I assume the same could happen in a rail car. Similar to the Baker heater these building heating systems have an open expansion tank that is above the highest point and vented to the atmosphere. I have to wonder if the Baker heater system would experience circulation problems if the car is operated on substantial grades?