Stanier 3P 2-6-2T on smokebox: what is this?

[philsandy]

On the domeless versions 40071 - 40144 on the LH side of the smokebox there is what resembles a small top feed, just above and horizontal with the handrail. There appears to be pipework to it also. What is it and where can I source one, or knock one up from something?

[Nile]

I think this SmugMug photo shows it.

 

edit, link to actual page here .

Edited December 20, 2020 by Nile

[philsandy]

Thanks Nile, it's just above the handrail.

[kevinlms]

2 hours ago, Nile said:

I think this SmugMug photo shows it.

 

edit, link to actual page here .

Some sort of device used to assist in reattaching buffers?

 

But more likely a blanking plate for formerly vacuum controlled push pull gear.

Edited December 20, 2020 by kevinlms
More info

[Steamport Southport]

Regulator valve I think.

 

Notice it's one of the domeless boiler ones. What looks like a dome is a topfeed.

 

 

Jason

 

 

[tomparryharry]

I suggest it might be a cover for the lubrication pipes just where they enter the smokebox. Western locomotives have a similar arrangement, but on the other side. 

[Gibbo675]

Hi Phil,

 

What you describe as a small top feed is cover for the steam supply shut off valves to the atomisers that are placed down stream of the cylinder lubrication pumps. The valves have a square with a small pointer to shew open or shut which sticks out of the top of the cover. The purpose of the atomisers is to ensure an even distribution of oil to the valve chests rather than it just dripping trough a hole and lubricating locally. There is also a separate tee from this pipe to supply steam to a warming coil within the lubricator box to ease the flow of oil in cold weather as it is quite viscous. The steam is drawn from an internal pipe in the steam dome and is taken as a live supply from a flange connection above the super heater header on the front tube plate approximately where the arrow marked 2' 3 3/4" point to.

 

On LMS locomotives the atomisers are actuated via a control valve attached to the drain cock lever so that atomiser steam supply to the cylinders is shut off when the locomotive is stationary.

 

This is of a black five but the principal and components are the same.

 

Gibbo.

[Blandford1969]

Its worth adding the atomisers were fitted near to the lubricator on later engines in the class so its one of the details if building one you have to be aware of. 

Edited December 23, 2020 by Blandford1969