STEAM LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEMAN’S. Manual - part 13

Chapter 7: - Driving Practices 

 
 

 

CHAPTER 7 

 
 

DRIVING PRACTICES

  

 
 

Chapter 7: - Driving Practices 

 

 

CHAPTER 7: - 

DRIVING PRACTICES 

 
 

 

Page No. 

 

7.1 

Use of Cylinder Drain Cocks 

 

65 

7.2 

Starting an Engine 

 

65 

7.3 

Running at Speed 

 

65 

7.4 

Slipping on a Grade 

 

66 

7.5 

Priming 

 

66 

7.6 

Stopping of Trains 

 

68 

7.7 

Handling of Trains Descending Grades 

 

68 

Chapter 7: - Driving Practices 

 

 

CHAPTER 7 
 

DRIVING PRACTICES 

 
  

7.1 

USE OF CYLINDER DRAIN COCKS 

 
 

When an engine is left standing for a long length of time, the 
cylinder cocks are to be left open. 

 
 

When starting a train, which has been standing for a 
considerable period, the cylinder cocks are left open for 
approximately 100 metres. 

 
 

Care must be taken not to fully open cylinder cocks where 
people are standing close to the track. 

 
 

Avoid excessive use of cylinder cocks in dusty areas or 
beside ash dropping areas when starting a train.  Ash and 
dust may be stirred up and stick to lubricated surfaces 
causing wear. 

 
7.2 

STARTING AN ENGINE 

 
 

Engines should always be started in full gear and then 
notched up once the engine attains speed.  By maintaining 
full travel for a short distance, the cylinders are more quickly 
warmed up and the lubrication better distributed. 

 
 

When starting engines, care should be taken to avoid 
slipping of the wheels caused by opening the regulator too 
wide before gathering speed.  If slipping does occur the 
regulator should be eased and sand applied to the rails, if 
necessary.  Sand is to be used sparingly as too much sand 
will cause resistance against the movement of the  train. 

 
7.3 

RUNNING AT SPEED 

 
 

The best position for the regulator and reversing lever varies 
according to the speed, load and gradient and is a matter for 
the Driver’s own judgement and experience. 

 
 

When running at speed, it is good practice to notch back the 
lever, just sufficient to prevent knocking, and then open the 
regulator to the point where the desired running speed would 
be obtained.  In most cases the regulator would not be 
required to be fully opened. 

 

Chapter 7: - Driving Practices 

 

 

 

On steep grades, the regulator can be opened more and the 
lever adjusted to maintain speed. 

 
 

When the grade lightens, the regulator can be eased as 
speed increases and the lever notched up.  Steam should 
not be shut off until a satisfactory speed is attained.  The 
regulator should be shut off gradually. 

 
 

When running with the regulator shut off, the reversing lever 
should be full forward or full reverse. Speed should not be 
allowed to drop too low as it takes more effort to accelerate 
at low speed. 

 
 

When the engine is ‘picked up’ while running at a reasonable 
rate, the lever can be well notched up, before opening the 
regulator. 

 
 

Very little regulator will be required to maintain the desired 
rate of speed. 

 
7.4 

SLIPPING ON A GRADE 

 
 

When climbing a bank, the action of the engine often 
indicates when it is about to slip.  E.g. a quick sharpening of 
the beat. 

 
 

A quick opening and shutting of the sand lever may allow 
sufficient sand on the rail to avoid considerable slipping. 

 
 

If the engine slips badly, immediately close the regulator and 
apply sand.  When the slipping stops, drop the reverser lever 
over one or two notches and gently open the regulator.  By 
adding the extra notches, speed is recovered more quickly 
and less regulator opening is required. 

 
7.5 

PRIMING 

 
 

Should priming occur for any reason, the  handling of the 
engine should be adjusted to rectify the situation.  Boiler 
priming is one of the most objectionable features of 
locomotive working, and tends to produce damage to 
cylinder covers and to loosen piston heads by setting up a 
degree of water hammer in the cylinder. 

 
 

It also causes lubricant to be washed from the valve chests 
and cylinder walls, and causes loss of power.  Also, 
temporarily increase the Oil Flow from the Lubricator to the 
Pistons to restore the Oil that was washed from the Cylinder 
Walls and Slide Valves.