In starting the regulator should be opened gently, especially with a full boiler.
Care is necessary when starting to keep the cylinders and valves clear of water. Half a pint of water will wash the faces of the cylinders and valves. Slip or no slip, it is better to use a little sand than to incur the risk of slipping when the rails are inclined to be slippery.
When the engine begins to feel its load the regulator can be opened more. A few clear, sonorous puffs at the start do good; they rouse the fire into action at once—there is no hesitation in the matter. They also clear the tubes of loose cinders and soot left in them after being swept out.
When you are well under way pull the lever up a notch or two at a time until you get it just where you want it. Don't jerk it too far, then let it out too much and have to pull it back. Feel your way as you go, and time and trouble will be saved.
Nothing looks so bad as to see an engineer suddenly close the regulator, pull the lever very nearly out of gear and "smack" the steam on again. The force with which the steam may strike the piston under such circumstances is very great and often may do damage.
To an attentive engineer the start is full of interest; for, although he may have made a careful and thorough examination of his engine before joining his train, he cannot feel satisfied that all is right until the full pressure of the steam is on the piston and the engine feels its load.
Steam Blowing.
Now the engineer must begin to use his ears and eyes.
As the train moves on he listens.