It´s a common issue and not only related to your Accucraft Shay. You will encounter this mainly at really hot days or "hot" engines. During my time as a live steam operator I did not find a solution to the issue other than letting the loco cool off before refilling the gas tank.
I dont know a darn thing about live steam but i do know after years of using butane, propane, and acceteline that even though the burnable gas is gone some of the agents used to give the gases a scent and just a trace of the gas it self can build pressure making it hard to refill much like an empty gas can in the sun builds pressure.
If you can purge that pressure from the tank (somewhere away from open flames) then you should be able to refill your tank.
But like I said I dont know a thing about live steam.
When I read about the evils of drinking I quit reading.
I don't have a Shay but I do have a live steam loco that burns butane. My butane fuel tank is in the tender behind the locomotive and I've never had that problem. I suspect if your fuel tank is in the locomotive that the heat from the boiler might create enough pressure to cause a problem with refilling it after running it. Some people suggest opening the valve a little to the burner as your trying to fill it to let off some of the pressure. You might try it and see if it works.
Bob
Hello,
Since one run per session has always scratched my itch to steam, I have not encountered your problem. But it might be worth a try to pour cool water onto your tank and its vicinity before a second run. Just an idea.
Wayne
wheelman Hello, Since one run per session has always scratched my itch to steam, I have not encountered your problem. But it might be worth a try to pour cool water onto your tank and its vicinity before a second run. Just an idea. Wayne
Just make sure you don´t pour it over the boiler, though!
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