C-25 Live Steam
After another four or fi ve minutes,
pressure on the pressure gauge
should read about 20psi (pounds per
square inch) or so. The safety valve is
set at 60psi. When the pressure on the
gauge reaches 40psi, the engine can
be run.
Running
Open the cab roof for access to the
controls. Move the reversing lever at
the right side of the cab to the forward
position. With the engine on the track,
and without a train, open the throttle.
Because the cylinders are cold, the
hot steam entering them will condense
into water and be exhausted through
the stack. The engine may need to be
pushed a little to overcome the steam
condensing into water in the cold cyl-
inders. After a few moments, it should
take off on its own, moving away
smoothly.
Once the engine is running smoothly,
a train can be coupled on and the run
can proceed. Since all of the locomo-
tive’s functions are controlled from the
cab, it can be driven like a full-size
engine, meaning that you’ll have to
stay with the engine through the run if
you want to change its speed or direc-
tion. If you have a suitable track, the
engine can be left to run on its own
at a steady speed. Keep your eye on
the water glass. When the water level
drops, add water by pumping the hand
pump.
Shutting down
At the end of the day’s run, close the
throttle snugly. When cool, the safety
valve should be loosened to relieve
the vacuum that will be created in the
boiler. This vacuum could pull oil from
the lubricator into the boiler if the throt-
tle is not closed.
After a day’s operation in the garden
you’ll probably fi nd that your engine
has a coating of oil all over it. This is
steam-cylinder oil that has been ex-
hausted from the stack. A simple wipe
down with a dry cloth is all that’s nec-
essary to restore the engine to pristine
condition. This is best done while the
engine is still hot. Wipe any grit and
excess oil from the wheels and run-
ning gear.
The boiler can be drained of water, or
not, as you will. Leaving water in the
boiler will not harm it. The lubricator
can also be drained and refi lled with
steam oil in preparation for the next
run.
Cold-Weather Running
The weather can dramatically affect
the performance of your locomotive.
Cold and wind can decrease effi ciency
to a disappointing level. Butane gas
becomes liquid at 32°F and will not
work. As it approaches 32°F, its pres-
sure (and effectiveness) diminishes.
7
C-25 Electric
4
Loco Side
