STEAM LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEMAN’S. Manual - part 12

Chapter 6: - Driver’s Duties 

 

 

 

CHAPTER 6 
 

DRIVER’S DUTIES 

 
 

6.1 

HAND-OVER CHECK LIST 

 
 

When taking over a locomotive from a light-up crew, the 
Check List titled  “STEAM LOCOMOTIVE LIGHT UP & 
PREPARATION FOR TRAFFIC” is to be worked through in 
conjunction with the light-Up Crew 

 
 

Refer to FIGURE 4 in Annex A. 

 
6.2 

HYDROSTATIC LUBRICATOR 

 
 

On the PB15 engine, which is fitted with a hydrostatic 
lubricator, the feeds are started as soon as practicable after 
the lubricator has been filled, so that the lubrication of the 
pump and cylinders will be effective as soon as possible. 

 
 

Lubricator feeds are to be checked regularly to ensure that 
the correct amount of oil is being fed. 

 
 

The control valve is to be turned to the Westinghouse pump 
only setting when stopped.  This cuts off the oil feed to the 
cylinders. 

 

 

 

Refer to SECTION 3.7, SECTION 8.1, and SECTION 8.1.3 . 

 
6.3 

OILING OF ENGINES DURING OPERATING DAYS 

 
 

Drivers are to check oil cups and note that oil to all bearings 
is feeding properly.  The most suitable time to carry out oiling 
duties is while the train is stopped at Swanbank between 
runs. 

 
 

Bearings are to be felt to ascertain whether or not they are 
overheating. 

 
 

Piston rods should be checked to ensure they show signs of 
sufficient lubrication. 

 
 

If the trimmings are in good order, frequent oiling will be 
unnecessary.  Should the Driver notice a trimming under or 
over feeding, he must attend to the same and advise the 
Officer-in-Charge if further attention will be required. 

 

Chapter 6: - Driver’s Duties 

 

 

 

 

Oil must not be spilt and must be used sparingly.  Oil cups 
must not be filled to overflowing.  They are to be filled no 
higher than the top at the siphon pipe. 

 

 

 

Oil feeders and oil cans must be kept in a clean condition.  
The spout of the oil feeder is not to be used to lift axle box 
lids, as this may damage the spout and may cause dirt to be 
pushed into the oil recess of the axle box. 

 
 

The spring operated oil feeder should be used for oiling slide 
rods, small ends, valve motion, compensating beam pins 
and axle box horn checks. 

 
 

The bottom guide bars should not be flooded with oil as the 
first movement of the cross lead will wipe away most of the 
oil. 

 
6.4 

HOT BEARINGS ON LOCOMOTIVES 

 
 

Foreign matter getting into oil ways commonly causes hot 
motion bearings.  Oil pots and oil cans must be kept clean 
and free from dust and other dirt. 

 
 

Care must be taken not to allow broken pieces of cork to 
enter oil ways.  Avoid blowing down the boiler or using the 
drain cocks heavily in dusty areas, especially in the vicinity 
of sand or ash, as dust may be blown into oiled bearings and 
other working parts. 

 
 

Replace missing corks as soon as possible and keep lids 
closedown oil cups and boxes. 

 
 

Bent pin trimmings may restrict oil flaw and this can cause 
hot bearings.  On the other hand, pin trimmings, which are 
too small in diameter, may allow oil to run through too freely 
and subsequently cause a lack of oil and a hot bearing. 

 
 

If a bearing overheats regularly, the Locomotive and 
Rollingstock Maintenance Supervisor is to be advised. 

 
 

Care should be taken after bearings are replaced or re-
metalled, as it may be necessary for such bearings to be ‘run 
in’ for a period. 

 
 

These bearings must be checked regularly. 

 
 

Hot axle boxes may occur from incorrect trimmings.  
Trimmings should not be either too tight or too loose in 
texture, and the wool strains should be continuos to facilitate 
capillary action. 

Chapter 6: - Driver’s Duties 

 

 

 

 

Water in axle boxes will give a false oil level.  Axle boxes 
must be tested with a syringe when water may have entered 
the axle boxes. 

 
6.5 

ENGINE LIGHTING 

 
 

The electric lights are tested to ensure they are working 
correctly before departing from Box Flat.  Side lamps are to 
be illuminated if operating at night.  The stream turbo 
generator oil level is to be checked before each operating 
day. 

 
6.6 

TOOLS AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT 

 
 

Drivers are to ensure that the necessary tools and 
breakdown equipment are on the engine before departing 
Box Flat. 

 
6.7 

MOVING AN ENGINE 

 
 

When about to move an engine which ahs been standing for 
a lengthy period, the Driver should first warm up the 
cylinders by admission of a small amount of steam through 
the regulator with the reversing lever in the central position 
and the cylinder cocks open. 

 
6.8 

BRAKE TEST 

 
 

Brake tests are to be carried out in accordance with Chapter 
6 of the Operation’s Manual. 

 
6.9 

WATER GAUGE TESTS 

 
 

The Driver is to ensure that gauge glass water levels are 
always sufficient to protect the boiler under all conditions. 

 
 

Both gauge glass test cocks should be frequently tested on 
the journey to check their reliability.   

 
 

Refer to FIGURE 3a - b in Annex A. 

 
 

High water levels and blowing off at safety valves should be 
avoided, in order to prevent priming. 

 
6.10 

USE OF SCUM COCKS 

 
 

Frequent use of  the scum cock will keep the surface of the 
water in the boiler clean. 

 

Chapter 6: - Driver’s Duties 

 

 

 

6.11 

ASHPAN TRAPS TO BE CHECKED 

 
 

Ashpan traps are to be checked to ensure they are closed 
properly to avoid live coals from dropping onto the track. 

 
6.12 

PRESSURE GAUGES TO BE CHECKED 

 
 

Air and steam gauges must be constantly observed.  It is 
important that standard main reservoir pressure and train 
pipe pressure is maintained, and that the Westinghouse 
pump is working correctly. 

 
6.13 

FIREMEN TO BE INSTRUCTED 

 
 

Drivers shall instruct Firemen in the correct methods of firing, 
working injectors and dampers and avoiding excessive 
smoke. 

 
6.14 

DRIVER TO CHECK TENDER WATER 

 
 

The Driver is to regularly check tender water levels when 
stopped and plan water stops accordingly.  The Driver is to 
ensure that the correct amounts of water treatment are 
added to the tender when taking water. 

 
6.15 

ENGINE DEFECTS 

 
 

If the Driver notices anything unusual while running, such as 
knocking sounds or excessive spark throwing or loud bad 
steaming, he is to investigate the cause and rectify the 
problem, if possible.  If the problem cannot be rectified at the 
time, the defect is to be noted on the Occurrence Sheet and 
the Locomotive and Rollingstock Maintenance Supervisor is 
to be advised as soon as possible. 

 
6.16 

STABLING ENGINES 

 
 

The Driver is to supervise the Fireman when carrying out 
engine stabling duties. 

 
 

Refer to SECTION 5.13.