Accucraft “W&L Hunslet No. 14” MANUAL CONTROL Operating Instructions Manual - Running
5
Running
When the engine has raised about 50 psi you are ready to start running. It is
advisable to run the engine in reverse first; it clears the condensed water
from the cylinders best this way. Before commencing your first run of the
day, it is advisable to put a cloth loosely over the chimney for a few
minutes, as condensed water will be ejected from the chimney. This is
quite normal; the motion of the engine will be jerky until all condensate has
been ejected.
DO NOT stand over the chimney as ejected boiling
water/steam could cause serious scalding.
Place the direction lever into the reverse position, and then open the main
steam valve. The engine should start to move off in the reverse direction.
When starting from cold it will be jerky, this is normal, as it has to clear the
condensate from the system. The more the main steam valve is opened, the
faster the engine will go; our advice is to start slowly and learn the road
with your engine
.
After a minute or so, remove the cloth and continue
running. In running it is correct practice to balance the boiler pressure
against the load being pulled and the track conditions. With a light load
and level track the pressure may need to be only 25-30 p.s.i. therefore, turn
the gas control down to keep this pressure. When running a heavy train
with steep gradients, increase the pressure by turning up the gas.
The ideal running pressure can be learnt by experience and is one of the
pleasures of running a live steam engine. There is no need to have the
safety valve constantly blowing off (it is what its name implies – a safety
vent for excess steam pressure). When the gas runs out a complete gas, oil
and water service must be done (remember GOW, also remember to shut
the gas regulator before refilling, and
DO NOT
refill with gas near any
other live steam loco). When the locomotive slows as the pressure falls at
the end of a run, stop the engine.
With the reverse lever in mid position slightly open the steam regulator,
then gently open the lubricator valve and blow out any condensed water. If
you intend to continue running, close the drain when you see oil coming out
of it and carry out a general refill. If it is the last run of the day, leave the
lubricator drain valve open and blow the lubricator completely clean.