Letter to R. E. Wells, March 19, 1909

March 19, 1909. Las Vegas Pipe Line, Low Pressure. 613. Mr. R. E. Wells, General Manager, Building. - Dear Sir:- Referring to your letter of March 18th, 1909, upon the subject of low water pressure at Las Vegas Yard. Theoretically the pressure in front of the depot derived from the tank when it is full to the waste discharge less friction in the service pipe line is about 15 or 16 pounds to the square inch. If when watering trains the water from the main be, by turning the valve, cut off from the tank and the supply taken direct from the main, this pressure would be increased by the additional head derived from the water in the main. This pressure then would probably be increased one half, or say to 23 pounds. It is hardly practicable, however, to have the supply valve to the tank manipulated every time a train waters at the depot. With reference to the leaks in the main leading from tank to Spring, we know they exist. I made a report concerning them to the Special Committee on Hay 21st, 1908, recommending that the pipe be inspected frequently and that all leaks found be stopped by plugs or bands. This suggestion was made with the purpose of securing as long a lease of life as possible from the pipe. In Mr. R. E. Wells, #2. March 19, 1909. -my report I expressed the opinion that by so nursing the pipe it would probably last at least a year longer and since Mr.. Lundholm, as quoted by Mr. Davisson, reports having discovered in his recent inspection but five leaks in the pipe,it seems that the pipe has still some life left. We will soon have to face the necessity of either renewing the pipe line or substituting some other water system for Vegas Yard. In view of the fact that there is plenty of good water lying at comparatively shallow depth below the ground there it seems to me that it will be well when the pipe plays out to put down a well near the tank and abandon taking water from the Springs that is if we consider only railroad requirements. I think we should then raise the tank on higher columns to give greater head. The water from the well could be raised to the tank by pump or air pressure, the latter would probably be preferable as we will have a large compressor in the new Shops. In the meantime to increase the pressure at the depot for the purpose of expeditiously watering trains it seems to me the proper way, if considerable head is required, that a steam pump connected with the service line and supplied either from the main or tank should be used.. As pointed out, the present head could be increased if water were taken direct from the main, by closing the valve from the main to the tank every time trains were watered. The present service line along the tracks is probably too small to admit of several cars being rapidly watered at the same time as it is, I believe, but three inches. It further seems to me that whatever is done now in the matter Mr. R. E. Wells, #3. March 19, 1909. should only be of a temporary nature and that when the shops are finished that the system be remodeled and made effective. In this connection I have to advise that I have this morning received from Superintendent Cullen a Form 30 asking for authority to install Air Compressors and Air Reservoirs and Lines at Otis and Vegas. In view of the fact that we will put large Compressors in the Vegas Shops I do not deem it advisable to install the plant covered by the Form 30 at that point at this tire. Yours truly, EGT-Z. Enc.