A. Plug it if possible with an iron or wooden plug. If in the fire-box
end, a piece of scantling or post can be sharpened and driven into the
flue from the fire-box door; it will then burn off up to where the water
from the bursted flue keeps it wet. If a bottom flue, would cover it
with ashes or green coal so that the leakage would not put out the
balance of the fire. If able to maintain steam pressure, would then
proceed with a full train.
54. Q. What should be done in case the throttle valve stem became
disconnected while the valve is closed? If it became disconnected
leaving valve open?
A. Would notify the train crew and Dispatcher and arrange to be towed
in. With lubricator working, unless in very cold weather so there is
danger of the water freezing in the cylinders or steam chest passages,
would not disconnect. By taking out lubricator chokes and steam chest
valves from the oil pipe, a larger supply of steam could be got into
the cylinders. If in to clear of other trains and practicable, would
take up the dome cap and connect the throttle again. If disconnected and
valve stuck open, would notify the train crew and Dispatcher, reduce
steam pressure until the engine could be handled with reverse lever and
brake, and proceed with such a train as the engine can handle.
55. Q. In case a valve yoke or stem became broken inside of steam chest,
how can the breakage be located?
A. In this case the disabled valve is always pushed to the front end of
the steam chest so that with a slide valve or outside admission piston
valve the back port is open to live steam. When given steam, the engine
will stop on the eighth, and when reversed will move over to the other
eighth, being stopped there by the live steam in the back end of the
cylinder having the disabled valve. Steam will blow from the back
cylinder cock on the disabled side and cannot be changed by reversing
the engine. If the valve is pushed far enough ahead to open the exhaust
port, steam will blow through the exhaust so the engine cannot be moved.
With an inside admission valve the forward steam port will be opened and
steam will come out of the forward cylinder cock on the disabled side.
56. Q. After locating a breakage of this kind, how would you proceed to
put the engine in safe running order?
A. Would move the valve to central position so as to cover both steam
ports, if possible. This may be done by taking out the relief valve if
on front side of the steam chest and pushing valve back, or taking up
the cover for a slide valve; or taking off front head for a piston
valve. Disconnect the valve rod from rocker arm and block valve stem so
it cannot blow out of the gland or let valve work back. Loosen cylinder
head in order to provide for lubricating cylinder so as to leave the
main rod up on the disabled side and proceed on one side. If unable to
cover the open steam port it would be necessary to disconnect the main
rod on the disabled side, blocking the piston at the proper end of the
guides so live steam coming into the cylinder would not move it.
57. Q. If a slide valve is broken, what can be done to run the engine on
one side?
A. Remove the steam chest cover, place a thin board between the valve
and the steam passages in the seat, replace steam chest cover,
disconnect valve rod, and if able to lubricate the cylinders leave up
the main rod and proceed on one side.
58. Q. If one of the bolts connecting the two parts of a built-up link
on Stephenson gear breaks or is lost, how would you proceed?
A. If temporary bolt cannot be supplied, take down the forward part of
the link, disconnect and remove link block, fasten valve to cover ports,
and proceed. If moving link will clear rocker arm or other parts of the
machinery after link block is taken out, it will not be necessary to
disconnect eccentrics.