Firing the Steam Locomotive

This 1947 operating manual includes 42 diagrams and illustrations, and is organized as follows:

Safety
Remember

Crew Cooperation
Introduction
Cooperation in Firing the Locomotive

Fireman's Duties
Introduction
Fireman's Duties on Arrival at Engine-House
Fireman's Duties After Assignment to Locomotive
Fireman's Duties on the Trip
Fireman's Duties at End of Trip
Cab Curtains

Coal
Classifications
Bituminous Coal
Carbon and Volatile Matter
Inspecting the Coal in the Tender
What to Look for in the Tender
What to Look for in the Firebox

Combustion
Coal
Air
Igniting Temperature
Rate of Combustion
Factors Affecting Good Combustion
Condition of Coal, a Factor in Combustion
Ashes
Clinkers
Suggestions for Avoiding Clinkers
General Firing Information
Fuel Conservation “Don'ts"

How to Prepare a Fire
Introduction
How to Care for the Fire While the Locomotive Is on the Ready Track
Fireman's Duty in Preparing Fire

How to Inspect the Fire
Introduction
Procedure to Be Followed for Inspecting the Fire
Before the Door Is Opened:
Inspect the Whole Fire
Correct Bad Conditions Revealed by Inspection

How to Fire Different Kinds of Coal
Introduction
Standard Firing Practices
Standard Firing Procedure to Be Followed at All Times
Suggestions for Firing Wet Coal
Suggestions for Firing Clinkering Coal
Suggestions for Firing High Slack (Fine Coal)
Introduction
Changes in Kind of Coal
Improper Jet Setting
Improper Supply of Coal to Firebox
Cut-Off and Throttle Changes
Fire Works Ahead on the Grate
Slipping of the Locomotive Driving Wheels

How to Correct Bad Fire Conditions
Introduction
How to Correct Banks in the Back of the Firebox
How to Correct Banks in the Front of the Firebox
How to Correct a Plugged Arch
How to Correct Light Spots Under the Distributing Table (HT Stoker)
How to Correct Light Spots on the Back Grates
How to Correct Fire Depth-Fire Too Deep
How to Correct a Clinkered Fire
Suggestions on Firing to Avoid Damage to the Firebox and Tubes

The Stoker
General Description
The Stoker Engine
The Tender Conveyor Unit
The Intermediate Unit
The Elevator Unit
The Distributing Table
Operating the Stoker

Grates and Their Functions
Introduction
Use of the Grates
Care of the Grates

How to Shake the Grates
Introduction
Procedure for Operating the Grates
Operating the Grate to Remove Normal Ash Accumulation
Operating the Grates When the Fire Is Thin in the Back or Has “Worked Ahead"
Operating the Grates to Eliminate Banks or High Spots
Operating the Grates to Remove Clinkers

The Locomotive Boiler
Introduction
The Boiler
The Firebox
Syphons and Arch Tubes
Flues
Causes of Leaking Flues
Fire Doors
Staybolts
The Steam Dome
Safety Valves
The Smoke Box

Locomotive Water Systems
Introduction
Water Level Indicating Devices
Feedwater Devices
Cold Weather Precautions
How to Pump a Boiler
Care of Water Systems
Testing the Feed Water Pump
Testing the Injector Before Leaving the Terminal
Pumping the Boiler While Locomotive Is Under Way
Pumping of the Boiler Is Essential to Good Firing

Smoke Control and Draft Control
Introduction
Description of the Blower
Uses of the Blower
When to Use the Blower
Preventing Smoke When Preparing the Fire Before Starting
Preventing Smoke When the Locomotive Is Under Way
Always Observe These Rules

The Superheater