DESCENDING HILLS.
Q. How do you descend a hill with a traction engine?
A. When approaching a hill which you wish to descend with a traction engine, see that the water in the boiler is at the regular height, or two inches in glass gauge when engine is on the level. Close the draught door to ash pan and open damper in smoke box when about to descend. Close the throttle almost tight, allowing just a little steam to enter cylinder, then take hold of the reversing lever, and the speed of the engine can be governed so as to descend at any speed desired, or be stopped, if absolutely necessary by throwing the lever into last notch.
Do not stop while going down hill unless absolutely necessary, as there is great danger of melting out the fusible plug and damaging the crown sheet, as the water is much lower over the crown sheet when going down hill with the required amount of water in the boiler than at any other time.
When it is absolutely necessary to stop the engine for a short time when descending a hill, do not turn on the pump or injector; but open the fire door, allowing the cold air to pass over the fire, which will protect the crown sheet. This should never be done, though, except in extreme cases.