this will vary depending on the gas valve setting. The boiler should
not be allowed to run dry, and the gas tank capacity is such that the
gas should run out before the water but it is good practice to keep
an eye on the water gauge as a check. When the gas is fully used
up, the steam pressure in the boiler will be seen to gradually drop
until the loco comes to a halt.
Should the water expire before the gas is fully used, the pressure
will drop rapidly and the loco will stop. Check the pressure gauge
and water gauge – if there is no steam pressure or visible water,
turn off the gas. No damage will result if the gas is turned off
immediately and the engine left to cool. Never add cold water to a
hot, empty boiler in an attempt to cool it and never re-fill the gas
tank without first checking the water level in the boiler.
Ensure that the gas valve is completely turned off before refilling
the gas tank.
DRIVING THE LOCOMOTIVE MANUALLY
On manually controlled locomotives, there are three main controls,
all of which are housed in the cab.
1) The Gas Regulator. This is used to control steam generation as
described earlier.
2) The Reversing Lever. This is in the left-hand side of the cab and
is moved fully forward for running in a forward direction and fully
back to run in the reverse direction. It should be parked in the
centre (mid gear) when the locomotive is stationary for any length
of time. When in mid gear position, the valve gear is effectively in
neutral and the engine will not move under steam power.
3) The Steam Regulator. This is the main steam control valve and
regulates the speed of the locomotive. The regulator handle is
situated in the right hand cab doorway and is moved anti-clockwise
to open and clockwise to close.
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