Old Time Trains

Casey-Cavin

The Casey-Cavin reverse gear (patented 1913) was designed by William Casey, general manager,
and Gustav Cavin of CLC, who also invented a pony truck and a superheater. CLC/Bill Thomson Collection.

NOTE: While this air-operated power gear was a big help to engineers in easing the work of changing directions, especially when switching, it had a peculiar habit of not making the change under some quick movements of the cab lever, resulting in the engine going briefly in the wrong direction! This is something I have observed first hand from inside the cab of ex CNR 89 at Steamtown, USA in Bellows Falls, Vermont. R. L. Kennedy

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Old Time Trains © 2009

Casey-Cavin

The Casey-Cavin reverse gear (patented 1913) was designed by William Casey, general manager,
and Gustav Cavin of CLC, who also invented a pony truck and a superheater. CLC/Bill Thomson Collection.

NOTE: While this air-operated power gear was a big help to engineers in easing the work of changing directions, especially when switching, it had a peculiar habit of not making the change under some quick movements of the cab lever, resulting in the engine going briefly in the wrong direction! This is something I have observed first hand from inside the cab of ex CNR 89 at Steamtown, USA in Bellows Falls, Vermont. R. L. Kennedy