Copyright maxitrak 2010
Items required for successful steaming
WATER SUPPLY
BARBEQUE LIGHTING FLUID
MATCHES/ LIGHTER
SUPPLY OF ANTHRACITE or STEAM COAL
SHOVEL & POKER
ELECTRIC BLOWER
FLUE TUBE BRUSH
CLEANING MATERIAL (CLOTHS, etc)
Firstly, fill the boiler with water (preferably rain water). Fill the tank and pump water in to
the boiler using the hand pump or feed water through a tube into the BLOWDOWN
VALVE until the WATER GAUGE is showing half full.
Water will flow by gravity from a container placed higher than the boiler if one of the
valves is left open to allow air out.
Open the WATER VALVE and prime the AXLE PUMP by pushing the loco along until all
air is expelled from the pump. Shovel a layer of BARBEQUE LIGHTER SOAKED
CHARCOAL over the entire GRATE surface, rags or wood soaked in lighter fluid or
paraffin is a secondary substitute. The firebox needs to be pretty much full of charcoal
before starting. Put a light to the fire and switch on the ELECTRIC BLOWER as quickly as
possible after the fire is lit. Add a thin layer of COAL or ANTHRACITE once the charcoal
is well alight. The fire should always look bright, add more soaked charcoal if the fire
looks dull. Keep the fire door closed as much as possible, the fire only draws when the
door is closed.
Check that all the VALVES and the REGULATOR are closed.
LUBRICATE all moving parts such as: CROSSHEAD, COUPLING and CONNECTING
RODS, VALVE GEAR AXLEBOXES etc. Fill the LUBRICATOR using STEAM OIL only.
Motor oil or steam oil can be used on the moving parts of the CHASSIS.
Check the fire regularly, adding a thin layer when the fire is really bright until there is a
bright fire of around 1” to 11/2” deep. (20 to 30mm)
When the PRESSURE GAUGE is showing 30-40lbs psi, the ELECTRIC BLOWER may
be removed and the locomotives own blower turned on fully to draw the fire. Turn the
BLOWER down as pressure increases until it is open just a touch at full working pressure.
Check that the SAFETY VALVES are lifting correctly. It may be necessary to adjust the
SAFETY VALES on the very first run. Screw the spring retainer down to increase
pressure and up to reduce pressure.