Whitcomb loco has an independent train brake system. That is it has no provision to power air to train cars that it is connected to. The Leroi engine has a 7th cylinder located in the center of the engine between number 3 and 4 cylinder that operates as an air compressor. Compressed air is stored in cylindrical tanks under the cab of the loco. A Westinghouse SA2 brake controller supplies air to the air brake cylinders. When I got the brake controller, the handle was stuck and would not turn. It was questionable as to whether it could be fixed. I took it over to a friends house. The controller was built in an age when things were meant to be repaired. We thought something in the valve was stuck causing the handle not to turn. Taking it apart there were some heavy gaskets in it. These were molded rubber, both were brittle and one broke as the parts were separated. after disassembling the valve there was nothing stuck or broken just the bushing on the valve was corroded and dry. with blaster and oil the valve handle was began to move. It moved a little further in each direction with each try. Finally it moved nicely in both directions. we cleaned the parts in gasoline and did not disassemble the smaller components. The valve was reassembled, wire brushed and painted.
I decided to go on the Internet and see if I could find the gaskets. I found the phone number for WABCO in Pittsburgh Penna. I called and the gaskets were available. They are in the mail to me.
I decided to go on the Internet and see if I could find the gaskets. I found the phone number for WABCO in Pittsburgh Penna. I called and the gaskets were available. They are in the mail to me.
