water from a boiler by the pressure of the steam should never be allowed, without an express order from the Superintendent of Locomotives, when the boiler is unusually full of mud; as, if frequently practised, it will seriously injure the fire-box and tubes.
THE MANAGEMENT OF A LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE IN CASES OF ACCIDENT.
An Engine is liable to several accidents while running, and it is important that the Engine-man should know how to act promptly under the circumstances. In the following list several cases are enumerated, with the particular steps to be taken in each.
1. The bursting of a tube.—The Engine-man should stop the Engine, and drive a plug into each end of the tube. It frequently happens that the water and steam blow out with so much
force, that it is impossible even to discover the defective tube: by running the Engine for a short distance with both pumps acting, the pressure of the steam will perhaps be sufficiently reduced to enable the Engine-man to work with safety; but if the escape of water and steam is still too great to do so, he must run his Engine and train, if possible, off the main line into a siding, and draw the fire, to prevent its injuring the fire-box and tubes: when the water has run out down to the level of the defective tube, it may be easily plugged, and a fresh fire laid and lighted. A tube will frequently leak to a considerable extent without absolutely requiring the stoppage of the train; but in this case great care is necessary not to use much steam, or urge the fire too far.
The bursting of a tube or other causes will sometimes lead to the lagging
or casing of the boiler catching fire, which should be extinguished by throwing on water from the Tender-cistern in a fire-bucket, or from the water crane at a Station.
2. The failing of one of the feed pumps.—In this case the adequate supply of water may, with care, be maintained by one pump only. The supply of coke must be regular, and not in large quantities; and the steam must be economised, or the water may run low. The pump should be repaired as soon as possible; this may frequently be done in the interval between two trips.
3. The breaking of a spring.—This is an accident which does not necessarily involve the stoppage of the train; but as working the Engine in such a state causes an unequal strain, it should run very gently over rough parts of the road; and if the derangement is considerable, and cannot be repaired at
the Stations, the Engine should cease running as soon as possible.