Forney Live Steam Instructions
8
Shutting down:
At the end of the day’s run, close the throttle snugly. When cool, the safety
valve should be loosened to relieve the vacuum that will be created in the
boiler. This vacuum could pull oil from the lubricator into the boiler if the
throttle is not closed.
After a day’s operation in the garden you’ll probably fi nd that your engine has
a coating of oil. This is steam-cylinder oil that has been exhausted from the
stack. A simple wipe down with a dry cloth is all that’s necessary to restore
the engine to pristine condition. This is best done while the engine is still hot.
Wipe any grit and excess oil from the wheels and running gear.
The boiler can be drained of water, or not, as you will. Leaving water in the
boiler will not harm it. The lubricator can also be drained and refi lled with
steam oil in preparation for the next run.
Notes on radio control:
Although the Forney was designed as a manually controlled locomotive, there
is no reason why radio control (R/C) cannot be fi tted with some ingenuity. A
two channel radio is all that’s necessary, one for the throttle and one for the
reversing lever. The gas valve should always be controlled manually. Servos
can be mounted to the fl oor of the loco and linked to the control arms. The
reversing lever will have to be modifi ed so that it does not lock in position, but
it must still have stops at either end of its throw for proper positioning of the
reversing valve. You might be able to get away with one servo controlling only
the reversing valve, but better control of the locomotive will be accomplished if
the throttle is controlled, too.
The receiver and battery pack can be fi tted to the bunker behind the cab to
house them.
