3
To fill the gas tank
: invert the gas can and apply the nipple to the gas inlet valve. It
is advisable to support the loco under the gas tank whilst filling, to prevent the engine
tipping backwards. You will know when the tank is full; gas will blow back from the
inlet valve in a strong jet. A small amount of gas and air will escape during filling,
but the difference between this and when the tank is full is always clear. Always
keep the gas can vertical when filling the gas tank.
Filling the lubricator
:
As you will read in the instructions for the end of the run, the
lubricator should be empty of oil and water. Remove the lubricator filler cap. Fill up
the lubricator with steam oil to about ¼ of an inch below the top. Leave the filler cap
off for the present, so that any trapped air can escape. It can be refitted after you
have filled up the boiler.
To fill the boiler
:
Remove the boiler filling cap. Fill up the boiler to ¾ of the way up
the water glass – ideally use filtered rainwater or distilled water using the large
syringe provided. Replace the boiler filler cap. Now check that the lubricator does
not need topping up, and then replace its filler cap also. Filler caps should be firm
finger tight. They are sealed with a trapped ‘O’ ring and, therefore should not be
over-tightened.
If at any time the water glass gets an air bubble in it there is a blow down tap under
the footplate, under the left hand side of the cab.
Take care when blowing down the
glass as very hot water will come out of the tap.
Lighting Up
Pull open the smokebox door. Light your lighter/match etc. and gently open the gas
control valve until a gentle hiss is heard in the burner. Apply your light into the
smokebox and the flame should ‘pop’ down the fire tube and ignite the burner inside
the fire tube.
If the gas valve is opened too much the flame will not pop back; it will either fail to
ignite, will roar in flame out of the smokebox, or there will be a ball of flame around
the front of the engine, which will then blow the whole fire out (after giving the
driver a fright)!
When the fire sound has stabilised, after about 30 seconds the gas can be turned up
until a gentle roar is heard. The smoke box door may be shut after about two minutes.
Now leave the locomotive to raise steam and let the locomotive raise at least 50 p.s.i.
Burner Air Control Ring
This is an adjustable air volume control which is set at the factory. However
variances in gas can give the need to either reduce or increase the air volume. To
obtain a quieter softer flame use the nut spinner supplied, and move the ring forward
slightly to reduce the air mix.
