Pillars of Smoke Question (NW Mailing List)

[NW Mailing List]

"I have seen a jet of steam in front of the stack.  Is this steam coming
from a feedwater heater?"

    Yes, it is an air vent from the feedwater heater. 

"When the pusher couples to the rear end of the train, does it also connect
to the air line, or does it only couple on?"
    
    Yes, normally that is what was done in order that if the train for any
reason had an emergency brake application, the pushers brakes would apply
too.
    The caboose had a rod connected to the angle cock so it it could be
closed. A chain was connected to the cut lever. When cutting off on the fly,
close the angle cock and pull the pin. 

Jimmy Lisle

That makes sense for the train.  What about the pusher?  You leave its angle
cock open and it goes into emergency on uncoupling.  I always figured air
wasn't couple to the pusher.  After all engineer would have to shut off
throttle anyway and he'll know if the train air is dumped.  

John Marbury