Q.—In what way does the mark you made on the valve-rod, while in forward gear, aid you in setting the slipped eccentric?
A.—The forward motion eccentric being in proper position by placing the reverse-lever in full forward gear, the valve is brought into proper position on the ports; and the mark gives the position of the valve when the back motion eccentric is in its proper position, thus setting the slipped eccentric by the good one.
Q.—Should a valve-yoke break, how would you test in order to determine which side was disabled?
A.—Would first place the engine at half stroke on right side, and admit a little steam to the cylinders; then move the reverse-lever from back to forward motion, and, if the steam could be shifted from the back to the forward cylinder-cock, would conclude that the right yoke was good, and would test the left side in the same way.
Q.—Why would you place your engine at half stroke on the side you wished to test?
A.—In order to get the full movement of the valve over the ports on that side.
Q.—After locating the broken yoke, how would you disconnect?
A.—Would take off the steam-chest lid, place the valve over the ports, and block it there securely; replace the lid, take off the valve-rod, take off the main rod, block the cross-head, and proceed with half train, if freight; if passenger, would take the full train to the next telegraph office, report, and give judgment as to whether the engine would take entire train to its destination.
Q.—Should you blow or break out a cylinder-head, how would you disconnect?
A.—First, take off the valve-rod, and close the ports with the valve, and secure it by cramping with the stuffing-box gland; take off main rod, and block the cross-head.