To start the fire, push a small forkful of dry straw into funnel in
fire door, leaving the small end of funnel pressed full; then touch
the match to it. Begin at once to push in the straw regularly, a small
quantity at a time, being very careful not to clog the main flue, and
allowing ample time for straw to burn.
The fire should be raked down frequently, as the burned straw leaves a
charred mass over the grates. This should be done when the funnel is
full of straw, thus allowing no cold air to pass through the funnel
into the main flue. Clean out the ash pan frequently, so that the
natural draught may not be checked. Do not open blower until gauge
shows ten or fifteen pounds steam pressure.
After steam is raised to the necessary pressure, the feeding should be
regular, using small forkfuls of straw, keeping the funnel full all the
time, and raking down at short intervals. Use as dry straw as it is
possible to obtain.
The above will apply to any style or make of straw-burning engines.