Which would be the best system to use on a steam locomotive at this time. I would love some input on which way to go! Thanks.

I'll defer to others to provide you an answer, but perhaps you might provide more information about the locomotive and the type of service you intend to use it in, so the technical experts can better assist you.

Thanks for your input, this is just a general question. I have been doing a lot of research on the availibilty of parts for these brakes. The 14's were common on Alco's, and the 6's are still in use by a lot of tourist RR's and both can be re-built. I am looking for opinions from folks that use these systems. These brakes (H-6) are used on 2-6-0'& 2-8-0's currently for tourist operations.

Do you have a tank engine, since you didn't ask about anything with a T for tender after the E?

Mike, this might be one for you.

Greetings:
Valley Railroad uses both systems, No.6 on steam locomotives and No.14 on diesels.
The main difference between the No. 6ET and No.14EL is that the Automatic and Independent brake valves on the No.6 have seperate mounting brackets and the No.14 has one mounting bracket on which both valves are mounted. Also, No.14 can be used on a locomotive with two control stands (but these days mostly is found on locomotives with a single control stand). Many parts and most gaskets are interchangeable between the two systems.
Good luck!
J.David

Thanks guys--yes the engine does have a tender with K brakes and a dual check valve. I am looking for the best investment to make with a system for future maintenance. from what I have been hearing from contacts the 6 would be the best to stick with--just upgrading the dist-valve to a 6n

Greetings:
I would not recommend using a 6N on a steam locomotive.
We have found that the older 6K, 6KR, which have bronze rings, slide valves and such last longer in service than the 6N which has rubber "O" rings.
The 6N is a fine valve, but we use them only on our diesel locomotives, which are not subjected to the heat and possible carry over of oil (and the resulting varnish) from the air end of a steam driven air compressor.
I wonder what brake system your locomotive(s?) have. In my experience, triple valves are used on locomotives & tenders equipped with the A1 brake system...
J.David

The old Combination Straight and Automatic system perhaps? G valve, probably.......hard to find parts for but works great on small, light, slower operations.

Retrofitting with either K14 or 6 or 8 ET would be fine assuming you need to retrofit at all. We still don't know what sort of train you run and how you run it.

Agree with DCs take on modern O-ring type distributing and other valves. They don't seem to do well on steam applications.

dave

Thanks guys for the input, this is for the future units in Ecuador. There is a lot of upgrading that needs to be done there. All the units will be pulling 4-5 cars at a time, and some of the cars are modern "made in Spain" cars with air bag suspension and EP Brakes.

Cool....start with what you've got and if it's working well, no point reinventing the wheel. Should you find yourself working up into the mountains a system like 6ET that might recharge faster than the old Combination system could be a distinct advantage. In either case, it's more about operator skill than hardware.

dave

Thanks Dave, operator skill is the big challenge at this point, and we have been working on this as well. I hope there will be some good updates in the near future!

So, who is this contractor consultant type to Ecuador with whom we are speaking?

Cheers, Jason

Jason,
The Contractor for the Restoration is Thermocon, and we are sub contractors for this project. We are working through Power Rail of Vancouver BC holding training classes for our respective fields. the two of us bring almost 100 years of Actual Railroad experience, and that helps a little on what we talk about!

I'm sure it does...... but who is involved? If and since you are posting questions and interacting on this forum things must not be to hush, hush. So, who are you and who all else is involved other than Richard?

Cheers, Jason