B&O 0-4-0 DOCKSIDE LIVE STEAM
5
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 track conditions. With a light load and level track the pressure may need to
be only 25-30 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 learned 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). In all our designs, the gas has been
programmed to run out just before the water, thus it is important not to refill the
gas alone in order to lengthen the run by a few minutes. 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 or open flame). When locomotive slows as the
pressure falls at the end of a run, stop the engine. Gently open the lubricator
valve and blow out any condensed water. If you intend to continue running,
close the drain when you see oil coming out of it and carry out a general refill.
If it is the last run of the day, leave the lubricator drain valve open and blow the
lubricator completely clean.
POSITITON OF FILLERS AND DRAINS, ETC.:
The gas tank
is in the cab, the gas-filling valve is on the top of the gas tank
turret.
The gas control valve
is attached to this turret.
The lubricator drain
is directly beneath the lubricator. To drain, un-screw the
drain valve turn about ½ a turn.
The boiler water filler
is on top of the steam turret on the boiler in the middle
of the cab. Undo the knurled cap to fill water. The main steam regulator valve
is the wheel valve on the rear of the boiler-filling turret.
The direction control is the lever in the right side of cab. To operate, pull gently
outwards and move to the desired direction. The control is “gated,” and will
therefore hold itself in the full forward or reverse position.
