steam era question

[willy6]

southern pacific cab forward steam locomotive.#1 how did they get coal in the boiler?#2 where did the fireman hangout at?#3 did the engineer have to keep turning around to operate valves? apprciate the answers guys.

[Anonymous]

Check out this Interesting Link.


http://www.ironhorse129.com/Projects/Engines/NPC_21/NPC_No21.htm


C. 1946 there was an Article in Railroad Magazine on the Developement of Oil Firing on Steam Locomotives.

Oil had been discovered in the 1890s in what became Russia and THEY claim to have adapted a Coal Burner to Oil long before ATSF or SP.

Heavy Oils had to be Heated to Flow properly. In Tank Cars, Bulk Storage Tanks at the Shops, in Tenders and from Tender to Burner at Firebox.

Temperature depended on Type of Oil Carried, as different Grades depending on Source.

One Winter it got down to Minus Forty -40 F and the Engine was Cold. Oil in Tender very Thick, so Turned On Tender Tank Steam Coil in Oil to Warm Oil Up.

Crew went Inside, as Locomotive on House Steam and Fire not Lit.

Whole Railway almost Shut Down by Cold. Water Tanks Frozen Up. Train Lines Frozen. Broken Rails account Steel Contracting.

No Hurry. Forgot about Oil Heat in Tender.

Oil Expanded, then Boiled, forcing Man Hole Cover Open a bit, as not Dogged Down and Oil Drooled down Tender Flanks, then FROZE.

Tender Linked to Ground with Oil Icicles.

As brittle, Broke off with Pick Handle.

Oil cooled to Fire Engine Up.

Made Trip and put into Roundhouse at Terminal.

Remaining Oil Thawed making a BIG MESS.

Cold Weather made/makes Railwaying very difficult.

Talking to Old Air Brake Instructor last week.

Said that some Shops put Alcohol into Air Pumps to mix with Condensate in Reservoirs to prevent Water that Worked Over into Air Equipments and Train Lines from freezing.

Apparently a big No No to use Alcohol.

When Brake Application Made, Exhaust Air and Alcohol Vapour from Port on Brake Stand could Ignite.

Hmmmmmmmm.

So the Story goes.