what was the purpose of elephant ears/smoke reflectors?

[jettrainfan]

Was looking at a picture of what looks to be a WP GS-4, and notice it had elephant ears. I thought this was odd, cause i thought GS-4s were just Southern pacific and they never had them.

http://www.yesteryeardepot.com/WP481.JPG

Also noticed that NYC seemed to be a fan of elephant ears and union pacific has them on 844. Whats the purpose of these?

Also, what are the pros and cons about them?

[Len]

You'll find most of the answers to the 'why' and 'pros/cons' of "Elephant Ears" over on the 'Trains' magazine forum at:

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/169692/1863517.aspx

Short answer: They were "smoke lifters" intended to keep smoke out of the cab and away from the crew on low pressure locos. Most US locos were high pressure, and didn't really need them.

Len

[Doneldon]

jtf-

The purpose of smoke deflectors (yur gonna hate this) was deflecting smoke. Despite its appearance, this is not a flippant answer. The deflectors, also called "elephant ears" for the obvious reason, would carry smoke up and away from the cab, improving visibility and air quality in the cab. In some ways, these are analagous to the air dams, baffles, wings and bottom cowlings on modern automobiles except that the car elements also have design and air flow (wind resistance) functions.
                      -- D

[poliss]

From the source data in the photo I'd say the loco is an ex Southern Pacific GS-6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Pacific_class_GS-6
Smoke deflectors were common in the UK to lift the smoke clear of the cab. The only railway that never used them was the Great Western Railway were the excellent aerodynamic design meant that they weren't needed.