Just got my BLI Big Boy and found a smoke stack deflector (hood) in a small parts bag in the box. Question is where, when, and on which Big Boys did the UP use the smoke deflector?
Aditionally, did the UP run any Big Boys without a front coupler.
I have looked around at least 6 Big Boy web sites and cannot find a picture of a 4-8-8-4 fitted with the smoke deflector and without a front coupler.
My understanding of the “smoke hoods” on the Big Boys, they were to prevent Stack Blast Damage to tunnel linings.
The Big Boys all had “Swing Out” front couplers, with a swinging pilot section to conceal them when not needed, giving a “Cleaner” appearance compared to the coupler in the ready to use position. This would have been more of a consideration on a Passenger Locomotive such as the “800” Class FEF’s. The couplers would be left in the ready to use position more often as the Locomotives aged, and the couplers and swing gates would get more difficult to move as the got older and dirty, and it served no practical purpose to have them concealed on a freight Locomotive.
Doug
They’re all there. Smoke deflectors on Big Boys could fold down next to the stack. They rolled on a track.
The reason for the various swing-gate and drop-down coupler mountings used on late steam locomotives was that with the coupler out of the way, the pilot could more easily push aside a vehicle in a grade-crossing accident. It wasn’t for looks so much as to avoid impaling autos and trucks on the out-thrust drawbar. As Doug mentioned, however, as the locomotives aged it got to be a big job to open and close these coupler gates, and Wyoming snow and ice wouldn’t have made it any easier. The couplers therefore tended to be left ready for use, without much concern for the original purpose of the design.
So long,
Andy
See “Last of the Giants” by Pentrex.There is a good overhead shot of the stack covers working.