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They are in fact Ridgway (no 'e') spark arrestors, named after their inventor and patent holder, C&S superintendent of motive power H.W. Ridgway. They were first used by the C&S in 1918 and continued in use through (and beyond) the life of the C&S narrow gauge.
Ridgway applied for a patent on August 16, 1921, and it was granted on December 19, 1922. The "bear trap" named is commonly used by fans but was not widely used by the railroad. And they were not removed during winter but instead the hinged top screen portion
of the arrestor was folded down, allowing cinders and sparks to escape unimpeded. They were also applied to one or two standard gauge engines used on the so-called "Old Line" from Denver down to the Rock Island connection at Falcon, east of Colorado Springs,
a line that passed through portions of the Black Forest and through the dry grass of the eastern Colorado plains.
Attached are Ridgway's patent drawing and Otto Perry photos of the two standard gauge engines known to have worn the spark arrestors, the 453 showing the top portion folded down.
Hol
From: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io> on behalf of Dan Hollis <dfhollis@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2022 8:44 AM
To: CBQ@groups.io <CBQ@groups.io>; Jack Schroeder <jack@highlandwebworks.com>
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Photo of the Day - explanation for feature on steam engine needed
They are Ridgeway Spark Arrestors more commonly known as "bear traps". Common on the C&S narrow engines in spring, summer and fall when there was a fire hazard. They would remove them
in the winter to clear snowsheds and because most everything was under snow.
On 01/14/2022 9:38 AM Jack Schroeder <jack@highlandwebworks.com> wrote:
Hello all:
In the BRHS web site's Photo of the Day, would some nice person please add an explanation in the "description field" for this feature on these locomotives. I am sure not everyone knows what their purpose is and are curious.
More then one person can add an explanation, so if you know a little more about it, please go ahead and contribute your added two cents. Any stories about these things that add color and go beyond facts would be really great.
http://www.burlingtonroute.org/BRHS/photo_library/photo_features/daily_pix_viewer/index.php?DOY=14
The "Photo of the Day" is one of the most visited features on the BRHS web site and a great way to share your knowledge with others.
Thank you.
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Ridgway Spark Arrestor Patent Drawing.jpg
Description: Ridgway Spark Arrestor Patent Drawing.jpg
C&S 429, Denver, Colo., 5-18-1919, Otto Perry photo, DPLWHD coll. No. OP-6568.jpg
Description: C&S 429, Denver, Colo., 5-18-1919, Otto Perry photo, DPLWHD coll. No. OP-6568.jpg
C&S 453, Denver, Colo., 5-31-1925, Otto Perry photo, DPLWHD coll. No. OP-6572.jpg
Description: C&S 453, Denver, Colo., 5-31-1925, Otto Perry photo, DPLWHD coll. No. OP-6572.jpg
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