The weather and free time finally paired up when the wind calmed this evening. So, out comes my Riverdale Elke coal fired live steamer for some practice. Coal firing is very "hands on" and must be learned via lots of practice. You cannot learn it from a book or a youtube video. Although those videos are a good basis to get started. Since I last ran this engine, I have added a SSP Slomo inertia device, Regner whistle kit, Regner lanterns and etched builder/name/number plates from Narrow Planet. The tender is from Roundhouse Engineering. I ran my gas fired Roundhouse Billy after dark as he has working lights. Here is a short video of Elke, still learning my new phone, so not my best video.
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
I always enjoy your videos, Mike! You have such a wonderful blend of dedication to craft and pure joy in your live steam series!
Eric
emdmikeYou cannot learn it from a book
the Reading RR at had one - Firing the Steam Locomotive. found it interesting, made me realize how challenging a job it was
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Mike,
nice steamer! I remember those stories the old time firemen would tell. Different classes of engines would fire differently due to the size and shape of the firebox.
So, enjoy!
Paul
Yep, I first learned to fire on NKP 587 back when she was operational in the 1990s. While she had a stoker, it was prone to failing and usually on the uphill run from the fairgrounds back to the museum grounds during fairtrain. So, you got a quick and hard lesson in "hand bombing" a USRA light Mikado. Over the period of a typical run, the firemen would shovel several tons of coal into the firebox. Defiatly not a job you could get anybody to in these days of "safe rooms" and "snowflakes" Same can be said of my first 2 "jobs" on the farm, bailing hay and stacking in the barn loft, and detassling corn.
I rode behind the doubleheader of 587 and 765 out of Calumet yard to Argos, Indiana at the convention in Chicago in '93. Got a souvenir cinder in my eye!
I remember railfanning those runs when she double headed. Good old times, shame we may never see that again in our lifetime. I am more looking forward to the PRR K4 and the T1 coming to life than hope for 587 at this point
I was lucky to see K4 1361 run in York in'88. We did not know at that time, but her return to steam would prove short and sweet. Would love that experience again!
Pau
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