Question for MR. KING: N&W Ashcroft Duplex Gauge

[NW Mailing List]

Recently I posted photographs of an N&W duplex Ashcroft steam gauge from an N&W compound engine, asking for an interpretation. 

Mr. Al Phillips of Chattanooga has furnished the answer. He is a retired marine boiler engineer who now volunteers at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and has participated in the boiler work for restorations of Engines 4449, 765, 610, 630 and others. 

Here is Mr. Phillips' interpretation of the gauge: 

"The black hand shows steam chest pressure to the high pressure (rear) cylinders, and its indication would be utilised by the engineer the same as it would be on a conventional two-cylinder engine. The red hand shows receiver pressure (High Pressure exhaust = Low Pressure inlet,) and the engineer could alter his cutoff accordingly. It would also show L.P. inlet pressure when the engine is 'simpled' while exerting the maximum starting tractive effort." 

With this explanation, the utility of the gauge becomes transparent. Thank you, Mr. Phillips! 

-- abram burnett 

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