Steam Operations

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I’ve just returned from some Steam operations down in PA and find myself becoming more interested in the technical aspects of the locomotives. Especially rebuilding and operations.
Is there any publications or websites dedicated to the rebuilding of steam engines. I’m interested in specifications, clearances, lubricants, etc. etc. I’d also like to learn how they operate from the Engineers perpective. There are so many valves etc. It’s hard to understand the running order.
I went for a couple of shop tours and find it fascinating. A long term dream of mine would be to assist in rebuilding a steamer. I live near Toronto and they are trying to return a 30+ stall roundhouse to working order, and since I work in a large machineshop, I think I might be able to help. (even though it will be many years down the road when they start as funding is a problem)

Thanks

2

Best bet is to get involved where you can and start to learn the ins and outs from the guys who ran steam . Read up on the basics of steam operation then start adding the extra bits. Most weekends I go and clean up #2860 in Squamish - each trip I find another valve or rod or some item to look into .

3

higssy: Go to : Google and enter “how stuff works”…It might give you some basics of understanding how a steam engine operates.

4

I agree with athelney, find a place to valunteer and ask lots of questions. I valunteer on the SP 44449 Daylight, and have learned a lot, and hope to learn much more.

5

I realize this is not super helpful but there IS a video I have seen about how to operate a steam locomotive – I thinik it is an 0-4-0T on a tourist line – and they pretty much cover things from start (morning steam-up and lubrication) to finish. I cannot even tell you the make of the tape – I borrowed it and returned it years ago. Dave Nelson

6

Thanks for the interesting replies. Athelney, 2860 is sure a beautiful locomotive. I went for one of the excusions on 2816 when it was in Toronto. I took too many pictures to count (wife thinks I’m crazy)
I hear they are trying to return #2860 to working order. How is it coming? It sure would be a wonderful addition to the rail lines !!

7

Try http://www.frisco1522.org/ for some of the lubricants and specs of the 1522. It also has how much fuel and water it burns or evaporates per mile.

8

I’ll be more spacific… http://www.frisco1522.org/faq.htm

9

Hi there - thanks for the interest in CPR Hudsons – 2860 is well & in good shape for the moment ,she is outside for the summer - then returns inside for more serious restoration. We have a fund set up - todate we have around $150.000 in the kitty . We have had some parts made like steam pipes for the booster truck. We require a feedwater pump & some gauges that had to be returned to 2850. It will also need a boiler retube & work to the firebox brickwork . Plans are to get her back in steam towards the end of 2005 ( don’t book the day off yet!!) . Ultimate goal is to have her active for the 2010 Olympics here in Vancouver.