Accucraft trains D&RGW K-28 COAL FIRED Instruction Manual - page 9
D&RGW K-28 COAL FIRED MANUAL
9
2.
Charcoal
As discussed earlier, coal needs exposure to heat to initiate combustion. The easiest way to do this is to build your coal
fire upon a strong bed of charcoal embers. Charcoal is easy to ignite, especially when soaked in lamp oil, burns hot and
reduces completely to ash. This makes it an ideal initiator for beginning the firing process. The charcoal you use needs to
be “ real wood” charcoal, not briquettes. This can be obtained at most barbeque supply stores as well as some gourmet
cooking stores. It is also available from Lowe’s Home Centers, under the brand name of” Cowboy Charcoal” in 20 pound
bags. This charcoal is made from scrap lumber that includes both soft and hard woods. The charcoal pieces are fairly
brittle, and can be easily broken up into the proper sized pieces using a good pocket knife.
3.
Lamp Oil
To ensure that the charcoal will ignite readily, we soak it in a flammable fluid like kerosene or lamp oil. The better of the
two is lamp oil, and preferably a clear unscented variety. The best product we have found is from Lamplight Farms, Inc
in Menomonee Falls, WI. At the moment we are using their “Tiki Torch Oil” because it is readily available from LOWE’S
HOME CENTERS. Although it contains a slight amount of citronella, it burns very cleanly. is not significantly oily, is locally
available and inexpensive. Lamplight Farms also produces a product that is called “Outdoor/Indoor Ultra-Pure # 60600”.
This does not have the citronella, and is available through their website for $6.99 a half gallon, which will last a long time.
It may also be available through your local home center.
4.
Lubricator Syringe
The best way to learn where to set your lubricator adjustment is by measuring the condensed water remaining after a run
. Your lubricator is fitted with a drain to use for removing the condensate at the end of a run, but this makes measuring it
difficult. The best way to accomplish this is by using a syringe with an 1/8 inch tube to draw out the water from the bottom
of the lubricator. This allows you to adjust the feed rate to provide adequate oil to the cylinders. The amount water should
approximate to 1.5 cc per hour of running. It can be purchased from Accucraft dealers. The sku# is AP-29201.
5.
Gondola
To ease the chores of firing and maintaining your locomotive we HIGHLY RECOMMEND you purchase a Accucraft D&RG
Gondola to connect behind the tender. The use of a gondola to carry your coal and fire from will save the paint on your
tender, provide you a larger supply of coal, give you a place to put the shovel and pick and GREATLY REDUCE THE
CHANCE OF COAL DUST CONTAMINATING YOUR WATER SUPPLY.
6.
Paint Brush
Ash and the small cinder particles that accumulate on the exterior of your locomotive from running can be easily brushed
off using a 1 1/2 to 2 inch wide bristle paint brush . Provided you have properly adjusted the lubricator, there should be
almost no oil spotting of the locomotive exterior, and a simple brushing will provide adequate cleanup after a run of an
hour or two .
7.
Vacuum
One of the components of all coal is sulphur. Sulphur burns producing sulphur dioxide, which combines with moisture in
the smoke box to form sulfuric acid. To reduce the corrosive effects of sulfuric acid you should clean all of the accumu-
lated ash and cinders out of the smoke box following every run. This can most easily be accomplished using a computer
vacuum . The specific brand we use is a Metropolitan Metro DataVac with Micro-Tools. Ours was bought from a Fry Elec
-
tronics store, but they are available from various computer and electronic supply stores, office supply stores and on line
from Micro Center.