VAUCLAIN COMPOUND CYLINDER

In 1902 when the 1364 was manufactured it came with the Vauclain double cylinder.  The 2 cylinders gave it more traction effort but at a cost of maintenance.  The two piston rods would cause distortion because of unequal pressure.

The idea behind the vauclain compound cylinder system is to take full advantage of the steam pressure energy by using it a second time. The second cylinder being bigger required less pressure to get the same energy output. This proved to be very economical as it took less coal to generate the same horsepower. However despite the best math one or the other cylinder pushed harder in a given moment putting stress on the yoke that joined the 2 cylinder’s pushrods. The cost of maintenance exceeded the savings on coal therefore in 1924 simple cylinders were installed on the 1364 at the cost of $79.06.

Right: The patent for the Vauclain compound.