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4
the filler cap off for the present, so that any trapped air can escape. It
can be refitted after you have filled up the boiler.
To fill the boiler: Using the long brass lever supplied, fit it onto the
the hand pump in the tender and fill up the boiler to about ¾ full; this
will allow a good space for a 'head of steam'. Ideally use filtered
rainwater or distilled water. Check that the lubricator does not need
topping up, and then replace its filler cap. The filler cap should be
firm finger tight. It is sealed with a trapped 'O' ring and, therefore
should not be over-tightened.
Lighting Up
Open the smoke box door; just pull it open by the door handle. Light
your lighter/match etc. and gently open the gas control valve until a
gentle hiss is heard in the burner. Apply your light into the smoke box
and the flame should 'pop' down the fire tube and ignite the burner
inside the fire tube.
If the gas valve is opened too much the flame will not pop back; it will
either fail to ignite, will roar in flame out of the smoke box, or there
will be a ball of flame around the front of the engine, which will then
blow the whole fire out (after giving the driver a fright)!
When the fire sound has stabilised, after about 30 seconds the gas can
be turned up gently. Do not turn the gas up high as the flame could
damage the paint on the smoke box door. The smoke box door may be
shut after about two minutes. Now leave the locomotive to raise
steam.
When pressure starts to rise, water will be seen running out of the
boiler blow down valve. When the water reaches its correct level
steam will be seen. Now screw shut the check valve and let the
locomotive raise at least 50 p.s.i.
Running
When the engine has raised about 50 psi, you are ready to start
running. The locomotive cylinders are fitted with drain valves, these
are the rods underneath the cylinders. To operate turn the little lever at
the front through 90 degrees. Before commencing your first run of the
day, it is advisable to put a cloth loosely over the chimney for a few
minutes, as condensed water can be ejected from the chimney. This is
quite normal; the motion of the engine will be jerky until all
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