Steam & Excursion > Whazzit? (26)

What's it called? 
Where would you likely find one (them?) on a steam locomotive?  (Clue:  "Anywhere that ......")
What is The Most Important Rule to follow once you put your hand(s) on it, and why?

-LD

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Looks like a branch pipe shutoff valve but it could be lots of things.

Posted from iPhone

We'd call that a 90 degree angled shutoff, needle or globe (and charge you double because of the name).

Out 

callum_out Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We'd call that a 90 degree angled shutoff, needle
> or globe (and charge you double because of the
> name).
>

> Out 

OK. You got the first half.

What must you remember when using one?

I applied Rule 2, to all the valves in the loco..
I HATE when they'd put extra muscle into doing it WRONG...

AMC had most of these sister valves fitted with round handles,
CRITICAL  equipment got Tee handles.... with the stem projecting clear through the Tee,
a couple of inches .

So you find them, by 'Feel',  even in total darkness, or with a cab full of steam..

​W.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/20 18:28 by wcamp1472.

One of the issues with the little darlings is that they're non-indicating, if you just walk up to it you
don't know if it's open or closed. There are quarter and half turn versions but they don't meter worth
a damn. Since a common application is use as a gauge snubber or shutoff it's important to check
and make sure that the valve is "cracked" to allow the gauge to operate. 

Out 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/20 17:39 by callum_out.

Not a union bonnet type valve. Nothing from preventing the stem from backing the bonnet out when opening.

Posted from Android



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/02/20 18:53 by LIL_BUDDY.

The stem packing is loaded by the packing nut and in most cases the globe or the needle and packing
guide will keep the stem from backing out. The valve is loaded with the handle off.

Out 

The first thing I teach a student about a globe valve is to never open it all the way. It will seize from the heat. Train yourself to always back it off 1/4 turn.

-LD

Little recognized fact...
Globe valves generally are
“Wide-open” by the third full turn...

Opening further turns DOES NOT
get any more flow....

“Gate” valves take more turns to fully ‘open’.... They have a movable, sliding blade who’s
Maximum opening is approximately
80% of its full travel ...

NEVER “BACK-STOP” ANY VALVE..

When taking over in a cab, always check that some ignorant fool has NOT jammed any valve “wide-open”...

That is critical.. you don’t want to find that-out by an emergency situation..

W.

Posted from iPhone



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/03/20 16:34 by wcamp1472.

wcamp1472 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> When taking over in s cab, always check that some
> ignorant fool has NOT jammed any valve
> “wide-open”...
>
> That is critical.. you don’t want to find that
> by an emergency situation..
>
> W.

(Que pipe organ, full swell, coupled to 32 foot pedal, great, choir, and trumpet en chamade)
"Amen!"

-LD
 



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 02/04/20 04:08 by LarryDoyle.