I came across this brake valve at an estate auction this weekend and was wondering if anyone out there could tell me what type it is:

Thanks

Jason Midyette

I believe it is an "A-1" caboose or backup valve. They were found in the cupola of many modern cabooses and I've seen a couple on observation/tailcars.

IIRC with the handle pointed up and the pipe connections down, the far left position was lap, the center two positions had different orfice sizes to draw the brake pipe down either fast or slow and far right was emergency.

One pipe was connected to the trainline and the other was exhaust which was vented to the exterior, or usually not.

Thanks. Thant makes sense.

Jason Midyette