It's a thingamabob. Controls the whachamacallit. Actually, I believe it is a valve the conductor can use for signalling his engineer. Via the train line air system. Technical name??? Can't think of one. Boxcab E50
It is Steam related as it let some out now and them while I was filming. Is this some form of emergency break given the small lever?
I'm not sure if this is it... I remember riding on a streamline train backing into a station. Rear end brakeman had a whistle attached to air or steam line on the back of the train. Should have taken a picture of it. I was busy taking pix as we backed in. http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/afq.jpg
If it was emitting steam, then it's nothing to do with brakes. At this point, I'd have to say Wayne is most likely correct. Boxcab E50
There was a signal device to warn the engineer when coupling to passenger cars, that the Conductor could use to tell the engineer when to slow down and when to stop. I never saw one on a car, so I am just guessing here. But it is probably an adjustable pop-off for the heating in each car.
Found this site: http://www.cprr.org/Museum/Science_of_Railways_1899/Passenger_Car.html Trying to see if #145 "Release-cock or bleeder" which is listed under AIR BRAKE, AIR SIGNAL, AND HAND BRAKE APPARATUS might be the same thing.
If as suggested, there was steam being emitted, it's not brake related. As passenger cars were at one time mostly heated by steam, there had to be a way warmth in car was regulated. Boxcab E50
I rembember seeing one in the back of the observation car (ex NYC Sandy Creek) when we were backing into the Charleston, NC Navy yard. The conductor opened a little hatch beside the couch in back and there were two valves. One went to a small "Caboose" whistle mounted under the car and the other just released brake preasure. He was on the radio to the engine for throttle instructions but was in control of the brakes. They put a flag man on the ground at each crossing but the conductor still sounded the whistle. I think I have a photo of it but will have to upload it when I find it.
Also on the Cubres and Toltec the rear brakeman would let air out from the last car so that the brakes would set sooner at the rear of the train to string out the slack when going down hill. He told me if only the engine set the brakes the cars in back would still be pushing while the front of the trains was doing all the braking. He had a radio too.
Great info Russ! I have the same question into the C&TS Friends Organization so if I hear back from them I will post what they say as well.
