I ask these dumb questions because I don't trust Wikipedia because 99% of what is on their is a lie. I see the models of Great Northern Steamers and I notice a cap that is attached on top of the stack. What did the GN use these for?
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Originally Posted by Tim Lewis:
I ask these dumb questions because I don't trust Wikipedia because 99% of what is on their is a lie. I see the models of Great Northern Steamers and I notice a cap that is attached on top of the stack. What did the GN use these for?
That "cap" was to cover the stack so that rain & snow couldn't fall down into the smokebox, when the locomotive was not fired up.
Had the opportunity about 15 years ago to ride BCRR Royal Hudson #2860 from Squamish to North Vancouver, BC. The crew and locomotive laid over for about an hour in Squamish and the crew killed the fire on the oil burner. AND they put a lid on the stack! Now I presume that was to retain the heat in the boiler. Such railroads as the Great Northern and the Burlington (particularly on their 6 converted oil burning 4-8-4's and USRA heavy Mikes) had a rotatable lid permanently attached to the stack.
Originally Posted by mark s:
Had the opportunity about 15 years ago to ride BCRR Royal Hudson #2860 from Squamish to North Vancouver, BC. The crew and locomotive laid over for about an hour in Squamish and the crew killed the fire on the oil burner. AND they put a lid on the stack! Now I presume that was to retain the heat in the boiler.
More importantly, to retain the heat in the firebox and flues/tubes. Caping the stack prevents cold air from entering the firebox and quickly circulating through the fire tube boiler do to convection. All that "cold breeze" through the furnace system is definitely NOT GOOD.
Such railroads as the Great Northern and the Burlington (particularly on their 6 converted oil burning 4-8-4's and USRA heavy Mikes) had a rotatable lid permanently attached to the stack.
Originally Posted by Tim Lewis:
I ask these dumb questions because I don't trust Wikipedia because 99% of what is on their is a lie.
Wins the prize for most nonsensical statement I've heard today. Actually, for considerably longer than that. (You also can look there and find the correct usage for there, their, and they're.)
We "capped the stack" on at the end of each day's operation at IRM, regardless of which steam locomotive we were running.
Rusty
Originally Posted by breezinup:
Originally Posted by Tim Lewis:
I ask these dumb questions because I don't trust Wikipedia because 99% of what is on their is a lie.
Wins the prize for most nonsensical statement I've heard today. Actually, for considerably longer than that. (You also can look there and find the correct usage for there, their, and they're.)
in a few decades "ur" and "thr" will replace all the grammatically correct versions of those words, so why bother fighting it (though in this case my guess is that he omitted the word "site" rather than misuse the pronoun). my only thought is that 99% does seem a bit too cynical.
as to the original question, live steamers using Styrofoam cups as overnight stack covers (plugs?) is a very common site at steaming bays during meets.
cheers...gary
I have found that Wikipedia is an excellent source for a quick and dirty study of almost anything. I use it for case briefs, among other things, and when I need better info, I can go to the actual source (also really easy to get to now on the internet).
There was a great piece about Wikipedia, and its founder, on the "60 Minutes" television show not too long ago. It's a very impressive organization, and amazing to see all the processes in effect to ensure accuracy, and the persons involved with it.
Originally Posted by Tim Lewis:
I ask these dumb questions because I don't trust Wikipedia because 99% of what is on their is a lie.
Let me suggest, without any malice or derision:
- Avoid cynical statements.
- Listen much and say little when in the presence of those with true knowledge of the subject. Ask a good question, occasionally.
- Your horn always sounds louder when somebody other than yourself blows it.
That will aid you in earning respect from the inner circle.
