Skip to main content

Why does 765 have six sanding valves for just four powered axles?

The 765 and other NKP, Pere Marquette berkshires have what appear to be six valves on either side of the big sand dome, and corresponding lines running down each side of the boiler.  This is one of the details that makes these big Berks beautiful and fascinating, in a brutish, industrial way.

I can imagine why there might be FIVE sanding lines: one exhausting in front of each driving wheel, and one behind the last driving wheel to assist with reverse movements.  I could even undersand why there would be six if a booster were employed (as on the C&O.)  But the NKP and PM locos didn't have boosters.  So why are there six sanding valves?

Original Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
×