When starting out with a cold engine how does the engineer know how long to leave the steam cocks open.?
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When starting for the first time, you can see water coming out. When you've got just steam you're ready to close 'em.
If you've been running and have just stopped for a while, you just leave them open for the first few revolutions. If you haven't blown off a cylinder head by then, you're OK.
The correct term is "cylinder cocks".
That's also why the Engineer gets the "big bucks", because he KNOWS WHAT TO DO!
Originally Posted by Hot Water:
The correct term is "cylinder cocks".
That's also why the Engineer gets the "big bucks", because he KNOWS WHAT TO DO!
Yeah... like locking up the drivers on a 4-8-4.... 
Originally Posted by steam fan:
Originally Posted by Hot Water:
The correct term is "cylinder cocks".
That's also why the Engineer gets the "big bucks", because he KNOWS WHAT TO DO!
Yeah... like locking up the drivers on a 4-8-4....
I think HW was referring to an "experienced" engineer...and I believe that was a "student" engineer (to the steam program) at the throttle then. Big difference there.
Originally Posted by steam fan:
Yeah... like locking up the drivers on a 4-8-4....
Another way to tell when the cylinder cocks may be closed, if they are steam powered rather than mechanically, is as follows; if any water is still trapped in the cylinder and the cocks are closed, the forward movement of the piston will compress the water to a point when it overcomes the pressure of the steam cylinder cock's piston with a sharp 'POP'.
Originally Posted by steam fan:
Originally Posted by Hot Water:
The correct term is "cylinder cocks".
That's also why the Engineer gets the "big bucks", because he KNOWS WHAT TO DO!
Yeah... like locking up the drivers on a 4-8-4....
Geeze, give the guy a break already.
Mistakes do happen, some can be costly AND embarrassing. At least no one was injured or killed.
Let he who is without fault...
Rusty
Very true and well said Rusty.
Originally Posted by Rusty Traque:
Geeze, give the guy a break already.
Mistakes do happen, some can be costly AND embarrassing. At least no one was injured or killed.
Let he who is without fault...
Rusty
