Forney Live Steam Instructions
7
Running
With the engine on the track, and without a train, open the throttle. Because
the cylinders are cold, the hot steam entering them will condense into water
and be exhausted out the stack. Hot water squirting out the stack at the start
of a run is normal. The Forney will need to be pushed back and forth until the
cylinders heat up. You may need to exert a little downward pressure on the
engine to get the wheels to turn, which will overcome the resistance of the
water in the cylinders. Be sure to put the engine into reverse, using the lever
at the right side of the cab, when pushing it backwards. When the cylinders
have warmed a little, the engine will begin to show signs of life. After a few
moments, it should take off on its own, moving away smoothly.
Once the engine is running smoothly, a
train can be coupled on and the run can
proceed. Since all of the Forney’s functions
are controlled from the cab, it can be driven
like a full-size loco, meaning that you’ll have
to stay with the engine throughout the run if
you want to change its speed or direction.
If you have a suitable track, the engine can
be left to run on its own at a steady speed
until the fuel runs out. As the gas tank in the
cab warms, you may fi nd the engine picking
up speed. Simply turn the gas down a little
and throttle the steam back. This is all part
of learning how to get the best performance
from your engine.
A word on speed: Little engines like the
Forney were rarely run at more than 5 or 10
mph. If you imagine a little person running
alongside, that is about the right prototypical speed. When run at this slower
speed, steam and fuel consumption are lower, which increases the run time.
The Forney was designed to run out of fuel before running out of water, thus
preventing damage to the boiler. Care should be taken never to run the boiler
dry. When the run is over and the locomotive has cooled somewhat, it can be
lubricated, rewatered, and refueled for the next run.
