Q. How do you descend a hill with a traction engine?
A. When approaching a hill which you wish to descend with a traction
engine, see that the water in the boiler is at the regular height,
or two inches in glass gauge when engine is on the level. Close the
draught door to ash pan and open damper in smoke box when about to
descend. Close the throttle almost tight, allowing just a little steam
to enter cylinder, then take hold of the reversing lever, and the speed
of the engine can be governed so as to descend at any speed desired,
or be stopped, if absolutely necessary by throwing the lever into last
notch.
Do not stop while going down hill unless absolutely necessary, as there
is great danger of melting out the fusible plug and damaging the crown
sheet, as the water is much lower over the crown sheet when going down
hill with the required amount of water in the boiler than at any other
time.
When it is absolutely necessary to stop the engine for a short time
when descending a hill, do not turn on the pump or injector; but open
the fire door, allowing the cold air to pass over the fire, which will
protect the crown sheet. This should never be done, though, except in
extreme cases.