I am curious how many operations still use the Waukesha air conditioning systems on their passenger equipment? Has anybody resurrected a system that has not been running for, say, 20 years?

Ed

Monticello Railway Museum has two units on the property, a D-1 and a D-2. The D-1 is not operational due to freon leaks, but did operate after 10 years of no use. The D-2 sees service at least once a year. Both units have been converted to R134a. They are certainly not our favorite type of air conditioner and the D-2 gets told it can be replaced every time power is applied. As far as these units go, I’m reminded of an article in Private Varnish, where it was said a private owner with a Waukesha Ice Engine could be assured of 3 happy days of car ownership. Buying, selling, and the day you get rid of the Waukesha.

Bruce Backus

I was involved in the operation of the PV Tamalpais (ex-ATSF 33) for over 15 years, and the whole time we used Waukesha engines for both our "ice engine" and our 32v DC generator. While the equipment required a lot of TLC, it worked "most" of the time. The sound and vibrations from the Waukesha equipment provided a lot of great old time ambience, and the ancient electrical cabinets were one of the highlights of the car. Actually the various generator motors we installed were relatively trouble free, but the ice engines (both the motor and the compressor) were a rather constant challenge. We were fortunate to have a co-owner who was dedicated to keeping the old stuff running. But still lots of interesting "adventures" coast to coast.

I think anyone looking for trouble free equipment would quicklky opt for a diesel generator and electic a/c, etc. But it's like owning any kind of antique machinery, sometimes the challenge of keeping the old stuff running is part of the "fun". But sometimes fun is not so much fun.

The car had been out of service for some time when we acquired it, but for much less than 20 years. I was surprised by the ready availability of parts, both new and used.

John West

Here at the PSRM in Campo, CA, one of our guys is in the process of restoring the A/C system in our 1926 (?) Pullman charter car, ROBERT PEARY. I think it is a Waukesha "enginator." It is fueled with propane. I'm the steam guy, so I'm not really up on all the details. We have used the car regularly for many years, but the A/C system has not operated in the 17 years I've been there.

The A/C now "runs," but there are still a few bugs to be worked out, as I understand.