The following are with regard to a steam operation I volunteer at, the compressor is a 9 1/2" single phase Westinghouse. The line is a short run with heavy grades (up to 4 percent):What would you set the main reservoir pressure for when operating with 90 psi trainline pressure on short trains (less than 150" trainline)?What would be your recommended lubricant for the AIR side of the compressor. While non-carbonizing oils are desired, is there a particular brand to recommend?Thanks for your responses.Michael SeitzMissoula MT

What schedule are you operating with? 6ET? SWA? ????My 1909 "Combined Automatic and straight-air locomotive equipment" booklet for the SWA schedule says "Always carry an excess pressure of 10 lbs. or more in the main reservoir, as this is necessary to insure a uniformly satisfactory operation."My 1917 6ET booklet says to set the governer with "a pressure range from 120 to 140 pounds, depending on the service."MY 1923 booklet for the 14EL (using the #6 distributing valve) says for the electric compressors used with the 14EL to set the governer's lower end at 15 pounds above train pipe pressue and set it for a range of 15 pounds (30 pounds above train pipe).

Thanks for the response. I wouldn't be sure of which air brake schedule it is (6 BL?), though it is not "straight air" The problem is that we have been having issues with carbon buildup on the air side of the compressor and are concerned that our current main reservoir pressure (130 psi) is requiring the compressor to work harder and hotter than our current lubrication is good for. Other issues could also be the cause of this.As I am only a volunteer with the operation, I would rather not say too much, as there are far too many people on the Internet who might take the issue to task. Since I don't mind sticking my neck out, I am asking the question here. Any and all other answers are appreciated.Michael SeitzMissoula MT

Hi Mike - you don't say how many cars run in the consist, but given the grades, is it possible that the one single stage pump is insufficient? Maybe replacing it with a 8.5X120 cross compound would do better. I have had some experience with steep grades and several cars with them, and with a MR pressure of 120 using Estrolene in the air end oil cups (6ET) no problem. If your train is only 3 or 4 cars, probably the issue isn't capacity of the pump.Lots of current urban legends about air oil out there - I have even heard of using Dextron ATF in the air end. Estrolene has worked well for me, but I would be interested in learning what has worked well for others.dave

The cars are four wheel side dump ore car frames equipped with K brakes. The total train line is maybe 90 feet. I think a cross compound pump would be overkill.I am actually surprised at the lack of ready current information on air compressors, but I suspect most operators probably don't want to get into the "can of worms" one can present. Still, the single phase Westinghouse is about as simple and straightforward as one can ask.Thanks for your comments (though more are welcomed).Michael SeitzMissoula MT

Go to the source - Bernie Watts at Backshop has all the old WABCO patterns, dies and drawings.dave