The LNER Encyclopedia

Good morning all

My Little Engines A6 is awaiting detail. However, I'm not sure about the smokebox steam circulating valve that seems to be present in most of the pics that I have of the class.

There are pics in Yeadon's which show valves fitted to both sides (not shown at the same time). I wonder if they were fitted to both sides at the same time, or did some boilers have it on the LHS and some on the RHS?

The text in Yeadon and RCTS vol 7, do not mention them.

Any ideas?

Earlswood nob

I assume that you mean the two valves on the top shoulders of the smokebox and controlled by rods above the tanks. The pair were only fitted to the Diagram 61 boilers. That on the left was the blow-down valve. That on the right was the control for the Westinghouse pump. When fitted with 63B or 63C boilers these both disappeared. The control for the blow-down was internal. The Westinghouse pump was controlled by pipes from the boiler backhead.
ArthurK

Good morning all

Thanks ArthurK for the perfect answer to my question.

Earlswood nob