Steam & Excursion > "What were there purpose"

This old shot I have of a "Pennsy" Atlantic No 7479, location or year, I have no info. but what was the purpose of the device over the funnel.
Smoke removal, but to where!, and maybe why. Would be grateful for any info.
 

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Utahfannz Wrote:
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> This old shot I have of a "Pennsy" Atlantic No
> 7479, location or year, I have no info. but what
> was the purpose of the device over the funnel.
> Smoke removal, but to where!, and maybe why. Would
> be grateful for any info.


That "suction device" was used during fire cleaning or fire-up, when lots of smoke & soot/cinders would have been produced. The smoky exhaust was sucked through a water bath underground from the servicing track, so that the "scrubbed" exhaust was then emitted into the atmosphere in a MUCH cleaner state.  

Thanks Hotwater for that promp reply.You solved it for me.

An upgraded PRR E3, superheated?
My WAG...

W.

 

MOST interesting .....great picture and explanation.  Arlen