NYC Niagara check valve - only one?

D500 posted:

For the life of me I cannot find the second check valve on the NYC Niagara, assuming that there is one, and I have always understood that there was more than one, typically two, on any steam locomotive, in order to ensure that water could be added to the boiler, even if one injector/FWH/check valve failed. "Watch the Water" is gospel.

I have modeled (painted/weathered) Niagaras; have read Know Thy Niagaras; looked at many photos and plans - and for the life of me can only see the one at the top of the boiler, near the sand dome, being fed from the FWH. There should be another one, typically fed from a plain injector.

Where is it? Anyone know? Was there only one?

I think if you look closely, the NYC had a double check valve, top mounted. Thus, the supply from the Worthington feedwater heater was on one side of the check, while the supply from the injector came in the other side. For what it's worth, the UP had the same arrangement on most all of their modern power, as well as many other railroads.

Edit:

Upon looking further, the top mounted boiler check for the feedwater supply is mounted forward of the sand dome, and slightly on the Fireman's side (the large feedwater supply line can be seen in the close-up view in the book "know thy Niagaras"). I believe the boiler check valve from the injector (mounted on the Engineer's side) may be slightly hidden in the jacket, back toward the cab, very near the steam dome.

"Know Thy Niagaras" doesn't clearly show where the injector check valve is located. The check from the feedwater heater is clearly shown in the photos and drawing.
Due to a lack of good photos, I am not convinced that the appliance on the engineer's side near the safety valves is the check valve. That is an odd looking thing back there with no drawing or explanation as to what it might be.

I just had that same question about the Reading G1a.  Top mounted check valve, and only one apparent non-lifting injector.

I hooked it up as in the photos and did not lose a minute's sleep.

Check the area under the engineers side running board, inboard of and above the rear of the Baker valve gear frame, partially blocked from view by the reverse shaft lever and reverse rod.   Earl G.

Thank you Earl.

Yes, that is exactly where it is located. I couldn't see the forest for the trees in the fold out line drawing. 

That leaves me wondering what the odd looking appliance is up on top?

Big Jim posted:

 

That leaves me wondering what the odd looking appliance is up on top?

An email to Mr. Gerbracht answers that question. It is the low water alarm.

lightningstripe posted:

Check the area under the engineers side running board, inboard of and above the rear of the Baker valve gear frame, partially blocked from view by the reverse shaft lever and reverse rod.   Earl G.

Bingo. Thanks to all of you. Now I can sleep. ("The Water-Level Route - you can sleep", I guess?)

"Know Thy Niagaras" doesn't clearly show where the injector check valve is located.

Yep - looked there.

BTW, I just went and looked at my MTH Niagara in the place that Earl G. suggested - and there it is, tucked away and secretive. Looked all over that loco for it. I do not have my Lionel Niagara handy; don't know if they modeled it too.

If you look very close at the fold out drawing in "Know Thy Niagaras", hiding behind the Baker valve gear, you will see it. Like I said, I couldn't see the forest for the trees until Earl pointed it out!

I had this same question years ago when I was detailing the Bachmann HO model.  Found the answer in Linn Westcott's Steam Locomotives Cyclopedia Volume 1.  The Niagara drawing shows the correct location. I would have never found it looking at the photos