Lima Built Locomotive Bells: Dimensions Needed

Allegheny posted:

Hello Guys, I'm looking for the dimensions of the a typical bell that would have been found on the C&O T1's & H8's.   I believe 765 would also be carrying the same sized bell as it was built during the same time frame as the H8's.   If any of you who own one of these bells could forward a good photograph and some basic dimensions, it would be greatly appreciated.  

You might try contacting the C&O Historical Society.

 Hot Water, I tried them some time ago and they weren't able to assist me.  I've even tried the Henry Ford for a simple set of dimensions and they didn't want to climb up on the engine.  So I've tried looking it up else where without success. 

But since many of the forum members have artifacts like this in their homes I thought I'd try here as well.  All I need is a simply diameter at the base and a height to the top of the collar.  A photo showing the pneumatic system from the top and underside would be helpful as well.

Since there are a number of C&O K-4 steam locomotives preserved in parks and such, measuring one of those bells should work. I would suspect that all the "big locomotives" on the C&O carried the same bell.

Back in 1962, the C&O was very open to allowing enthusiasts access to the steam locomotive dead line, in Huntington, W.Va.. Although I was unable to visit there myself, my contact on the Buffalo Creek & Gauley RR, was able to have the C&O ship a bell and front number plate from any steam locomotive of my choice, to my Mom's house in New Jersey. I requested a bell and front number plate from ANY H-8 class locomotive, and the complete cost was $100, including shipping. Naturally my mother was HORRIFIED when she found a large, very heavy wood crate, placed in front of her garage door, upon arrival home from work one evening!  A neighbor helped skid the darned thing into the back of the garage.

After marriage and two kids, my wife really liked the bell, since I had had it mounted in a Radio Flyer wagon, and she could ring it with ease in order to call the kids home for supper. It could be heard all over the neighborhood! As the kids grew, and the VERY HEAVY bell outlived its usefulness, I eventually sold it for something over $500.

There are many "dimensions" associated with bells. The ones railfans are most interested in is the mouth diameter. The "dimensions" of the bell will follow from that.

What interest do you have in the other dimensions...which are all scientifically calculated?  Do you need to know the wall thickness at certain cross-sections? Thickness varies throughout the bell to achieve the tone/note sought.  Bell wall thickness to create a certain tone is a serious science. Do you just want to know wall thickness from mouth to the top? And why?

I suspect you are interested only in mouth diameter. Which is usually about 15 - 18 inches in diameter.

SMD4,  The dimensions are simply the mouth diameter and the height (from the mouth to the top of the collar).  Nothing more.  

Hot Water, Ahhhhhhhh I figured you'd would have had one, too bad you decided to sell it.    Do you have the number plate still? 

Allegheny posted:

 

Hot Water, Ahhhhhhhh I figured you'd would have had one, too bad you decided to sell it.    Do you have the number plate still? 

Yes.

You might want to try the Allen County Historical Society in Lima, Ohio.  They house the John Keller Railroad Archives.  Quite a few of the original Lima records are housed there.  I believe there is a curator that may be able to help you.

Tom

So Hot Water, what number is it?  

I have the builders plate for 1638 (which was used by 3rd Rail as a model for the Allegheny project) and pyle tender light for the Allegheny as well.  Been hoping to find a number plate for years. 

Allegheny posted:

So Hot Water, what number is it?  

I would prefer not to divulge that, as the plate is now WAY TOO valuable.

I have the builders plate for 1638 (which was used by 3rd Rail as a model for the Allegheny project) and pyle tender light for the Allegheny as well.  Been hoping to find a number plate for years.