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 Post subject: Wanted : Tech specs on Westinghouse compressor
PostPosted: Thu Oct 13, 2022 5:43 pm 

Joined: Tue Aug 24, 2004 3:39 am
Posts: 6
Location: New Zealand
Looking for technical data related to overhaul/maintenance for an 1885 6 inch 'Narrow Gauge' Westinghouse air compressor. The compressor, which last operated for display purposes in the 2010s, is fitted to Climax 1650, now under restoration in NZ. The pump will supply air for train brakes only; the original steam brake on the loco will remain.
A digital copy of the 1886 Westinghouse catalog is available on the internet, but is more of a sales brochure. Otherwise, online info is virtually non-existent.
Any help assisting this antique to survive will be very much appreciated.


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File comment: 6" pump as fitted to Climax 1650.
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 Post subject: Re: Wanted : Tech specs on Westinghouse compressor
PostPosted: Thu Oct 13, 2022 6:03 pm 

Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:19 am
Posts: 6399
Location: southeastern USA
Backshop Enterprises bought out the WABCO steam air pump business from Crown Metal who bought it from WABCO originally. You can reach them in the US at 303-424-6882, ask for Bernie Watts. Don't know exactly what drawings he has available but it's as good a placer to start as any.

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“God, the beautiful racket of it all: the sighing and hissing, the rattle and clack of the cars over the rails. These were the sounds that made America the greatest country on earth." Jonathan Evison


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 Post subject: Re: Wanted : Tech specs on Westinghouse compressor
PostPosted: Thu Oct 13, 2022 6:47 pm 

Joined: Tue Aug 24, 2004 3:39 am
Posts: 6
Location: New Zealand
Thanks Dave (once again). Bernie was asked the same questions and has seen photos of the pump. He was astounded to hear of its intact survival .... could it be the only one left ? Sadly, he had nothing to offer except to use 'best practice'.
It's the unknown dimensions such as air valve lift etc that are so important for smooth operating.


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 Post subject: Re: Wanted : Tech specs on Westinghouse compressor
PostPosted: Thu Oct 13, 2022 7:53 pm 

Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:19 am
Posts: 6399
Location: southeastern USA
Aha! The replicas of Jupiter and 110 at Golden Spike NHS had replica compressors made according to reconstructed plans and they choked trying to pump air. Bob and Eric Dowty were the mechanics / operators back then, and they discovered that the clearance was too narrow - they opened it up and everything worked fine. You might contact them and find out what the new clearances were....... and perhaps any other data you need. Good hunting.

Earnslaw sill running?

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“God, the beautiful racket of it all: the sighing and hissing, the rattle and clack of the cars over the rails. These were the sounds that made America the greatest country on earth." Jonathan Evison


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