|
Mount Lowe Power By John Harrigan Introduction and Incline Machinery When I first started looking into the power systems for the Mt. Lowe Railway, I knew that there were pre-1906 and post 1906 designs. I had looked at the pictures in the various books but I had not paid a great deal of attention to what I was look at or reading about until I started the research.The earliest description of the design for the lift mechanism comes from April of 1893. Initially, the motive power was supplied by a 75-horse power Keith, 500 volt DC motor that turned at about 800 rpm. There were several safety items that incorporated on the main drive machinery that are of note. Attached to the first intermediate gear shaft was a belt going to a fly-ball regulator mounted on the ceiling. As the shaft turned, the weighted balls would move or "fly" out. If the gears turned too fast, the fly balls would move out past a preset position and the fly-ball regulator would apply the large emergency brake above the main grip wheel. |
Since our
last newsletter a lot has happened starting with a wonderful visit with all of you that
could come to the dedication of the waiting shelter at Dawn Station in December.
The event was well attended and I am sure you all had as good a time as I did. It is
always nice to see old Mt. Lowe friends and to meet new ones. After the dedication we all
traveled up to the Tavern where we picnicked and looked at displays put out by Paul
Ayers, Brian Marcroft, Michael Patris, and Jake Brouwer. 
