STEAM LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEMAN’S. Manual - part 9

Chapter 5: - Fireman’s Duties

 

 
 

 

CHAPTER 5 

 
 

FIREMAN’S DUTIES 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Chapter 5: - Fireman’s Duties

 

 

 

CHAPTER 5: - 

FIREMAN’S DUTIES 

 
 

 

Page No. 

 

5.1 

Preparation of Engine 

 

45 

5.2 

Cleaning of Injector Screens 

 

45 

5.3 

Side Lamps and Tail Lamps 

 

46 

5.4 

Cleaning of Fires 

 

46 

5.5 

Miscellaneous Duties of Fireman 

 

47 

5.6 

Firemen to Take Rightaway Signals  

 

47 

5.7 

Taking on Coal 

 

47 

5.8 

Firing Methods 

 

48 

5.9 

Feeding the Boiler with Water 

 

49 

5.10 

Engine Throwing Sparks 

 

50 

5.11 

Working of Fire Door on Down Grades 

 

50 

5.12 

Watering Stops 

 

51 

5.13 

Stabling an Engine 

 

51 

 

Chapter 5: - Fireman’s Duties

 

 

 

CHAPTER 5 
 

FIREMAN’S DUTIES 

 

 

5.1 

PREPARATION OF ENGINE 

 
 

On arrival at the engine, the Fireman shall make sure that 
there is ample water in the boiler by testing the level in both 
gauge glasses. He should see that both the steam cock at 
the top of column and the water cock at the bottom of 
column are open and work freely.   

 
 

The firebox is examined to ensure that the lead plugs, stays, 
tubes, baffle plate, brick arch, and firebars are in good order.  
The ashpan is checked to see that it is in good condition and 
free from ash and clinkers and that the traps are operating 
correctly and the ashpan dampers are workable.  The 
smokebox is inspected to ensure that it is clean and the ash 
ejector cock tested to make sure it is fully closed.   

 
 

If necessary, the fire should be spread and steam pressure 
allowed to rise slowly.  Before spreading the fire it should be 
ascertained, by means of a bent pricker, that the position of 
the firebox under the door is clear of ashes and clinkers. 

 
5.2 

CLEANING OF INJECTOR SCREENS 

 

By closing the tender water valve, uncoupling the water 
union, taking out the screen and removing all sediment, 
cleans the screens of the injectors.  Whilst the water union is 
uncoupled the heater cock of the injector is turned back and 
the steam spindle drawn out to blow back the injector.  After 
blowing back, the heater cock is returned to its normal 
position. 

 
 

The tender water valve is then opened to ensure that a full 
flow of water comes from the tender.  If this is satisfactory 
the injector screen is replaced and the water union 
recoupled.  After this has been completed both injector are 
operated to ensure that they work satisfactorily. 

 

Chapter 5: - Fireman’s Duties

 

 

 

5.3 

SIDE LAMPS AND TAIL LAMPS 

 
 

Locomotive side lamps should be cleaned and trimmed and, 
at night, a red taillight is placed on the rear tender bracket 
until the engine is joined to the train.  If it is daylight and the 
engine is to travel light, a white triangular disc is obtained 
and hung on the rear tender bracket. 

 
5.4 

CLEANING OF FIRES 

 
 

Ash is only permitted to be dropped at the Box Flat depot in 
designated areas.  If the fire requires cleaning during light-up 
procedures, the ashpan water is turned on and the fire 
rocked through to the ashpan.  If necessary, the clinker bar 
is opened to remove any course ash or clinker.  The clinker 
bar is then closed and the fire spread over it. 

 
 

The ashpan traps are then opened using the air control 
valves on the Fireman’s side under the cab floor.  Once the 
ashes are dropped out, the ashpan water is turned off and 
the ashpan traps closed using the air control valves.  The fire 
is then built up.  Ash dust should be hosed off the engine 
using the hose in the engine cab.  Care should be taken to 
keep water out of oil cups, axle boxes etc. 

 
 

The boiler should be filled before cleaning the fire to allow 
the Driver to blow down the boiler before leaving Box Flat.  
There should be at least three quarters of a glass of water in 
the boiler to avoid using the injector immediately after 
cleaning the fire and blowing down the boiler. 

 
 

When the fire is to be cleaned during train operations, care 
should be taken to ensure the fire does not burn too low or 
that the fire is not overfed with green coal, when 
approaching Box Flat. 

 
 

On arrival at Box Flat there should be at least three quarters 
of a glass of water in the boiler to avoid using the injectors 
immediately after cleaning the fire.  The engine is to be 
placed at the designated ash disposal point and the ashpan 
water turned on and the traps then opened. 

 
 

The ash is rocked through the bars with care being taken not 
to rock the fire too low.  After the ash is shaken through, the 
clinker bar is opened to allow the ash to be dropped through 
at the front of the box.  Any large ash or clinker is pushed out 
through the clinker bar opening.