Operators should aspire to run their locomotive efficiently, eventually achieving up to 10
minutes running time between firings, while remembering to keep the tender tank topped
up with water.
N.B If you intend running your locomotive for extended periods, the lubricator will
require oil after about an hour (please note, it will be hot! ). You will also need to keep
the water pump ram and its cam (between the locomotive frames) well oiled.
Once you have finished your running session
Once you have finished running your locomotive, it needs to be ‘disposed of’ responsibly
– just like the real thing!
Firstly, on front of the smoke-box, completely unscrew the centre dart, thus removing the
smoke-box door. You will probably be able to see an accumulation of ash built up inside
the smoke-box (the amount depends upon the length of your run). Next, brush out as
much of the ash as possible using a small paintbrush. A gentle blow down the chimney
will remove the remainder.
Removing the smoke-box ash will reveal the boiler tubes. Using the flu brush provided,
clean out all five tubes that you will see down the boiler. These can get blocked with bits
of coal and ash, limiting the boiler’s steaming capability. Don’t worry if it is difficult to
push the brush through, keep trying: we find dipping the end of the brush in paraffin
helpful.
Next, drop the remnants of your fire. Hamlet’s ash pan makes this easy. Behind the ash
pan (located under the firebox) is a long pin that stretches all the way through both side
frames. When you pull this pin out, the whole ash pan and grate will hinge down and
allow complete and easy removal of the remaining fire and ash. Beware: this may still be
hot. Once the fire has been removed, hinge the grate and ash pan back to its original
position and reinsert the pin.
Reattach the smoke-box door using the screw dart you removed earlier. Tighten until
finger tight.
You can now clean your locomotive, removing unwanted ash and dirt. We have found
that a soft paintbrush can be very effective for removing fresh ash that has covered some
of the bodywork.
