4
Running
When the engine has raised about 50 psi you are ready to start running. It is advisable
to run the engine in reverse first; it clears the condensed water from the cylinders best
this way. Before commencing your first run of the day, it is advisable to put a cloth
loosely over the chimney for a few minutes, as condensed water will be ejected from
the chimney. This is quite normal; the motion of the engine will be jerky until all
condensate has been ejected.
DO NOT stand over the chimney as ejected boiling
water/steam could cause serious scalding.
Place the direction lever into the reverse position, and then open the main steam
valve. The engine should start to move off in the reverse direction. When starting
from cold it will be jerky, this is normal, as it has to clear the condensate from the
system. The more the main steam valve is opened, the faster the engine will go; our
advice is to start slowly and learn the road with your engine
After a minute or so, remove the cloth and continue running. In running it is correct
practice to balance the boiler pressure against the load being pulled and the track
conditions. With a light load and level track the pressure may need to be only 30-40
p.s.i. therefore, turn the gas control down to keep this pressure. When running a
heavy train with steep gradients, increase the pressure by turning up the gas.
The ideal running pressure can be learnt by experience and is one of the pleasures of
running a live steam engine. There is no need to have the safety valve constantly
blowing off (it is what its name implies – a safety vent for excess steam pressure).
When the gas runs out a complete gas, oil and water service must be done (remember
GOW, also remember to shut the gas regulator before refilling, and
DO NOT
refill
with gas near any other live steam loco).
When the locomotive slows as the pressure falls at the end of a run, stop the engine.
With the reverse lever in forward position so as to let any residual pressure in the
steam pipes escape, make sure the steam regulator is fully shut, then gently open the
lubricator drain to release the condensed water. If you intend to continue running a
complete fill of the lubricator will be required.
