BURSTING A DRY PIPE.
The bursting of a dry pipe is similar in effect to the action of a throttle becoming disconnected while open; and it may even prove harder to control, according to the size of the opening. Engineer Halliday had a trying time with a case of this kind. While swinging along the E., F., & G. road, with a heavy train of freight, a herd of horses ran in from an open crossing-gate, and started up the track just in front of the engine. As there was a bridge a short distance ahead, Halliday reversed the engine in his anxiety to prevent an accident. The train stopped for an instant, when the engine began to push it back. Halliday tried to throw the lever to the center, but never before had he felt such a pressure acting upon it. Again and again he tried to throw the lever over; but every time it proved too formidable a struggle, and the catch found its way into the full-back notch. Meanwhile, the train was gaining speed in the wrong direction, and a passenger train was not many miles behind. Beginning to realize the true state of affairs, Halliday called for brakes, opened the fire-box door, closed the dampers, and started the injector. Then he directed the fireman to throw some bucketfuls of water upon the fire, while he tied down the whistle-lever, letting the steam blow. The promptest means for reducing the pressure of steam were now in operation, and his next move was to try the reverse-lever again. Both men grasped the lever, and, by a combined effort, forced it past the center; and Samson’s hair was cut. It was afterwards found that a long rent had opened in the dry pipe, letting the full boiler pressure upon the valves, which moved hard through being dry; the hot gases pumped through them in reverse motion having licked off every trace of lubricating unguent.