A. The steam gauge pointer is actuated by a flattened or bent round tube to straighten itself under the pressure of steam against the water inside of tube. The gauge pointer receives movement from suitable mechanism connected with the tube.
5. Q. What is the source of power in a steam locomotive?
A. Heat is the source of power in all steam engines. It is necessary to have fuel and water. When fuel is burned, the water coming in contact with the hot sheets evaporates and becomes steam, which is then used in the cylinders to force the pistons back and forth.
6. Q. About what quantity of water should be evaporated in a locomotive boiler to the pound of coal?
A. From five to seven pounds of water. For example, one gallon of water weighs eight and one-third pounds, therefore 100 pounds of coal should evaporate from sixty to eighty-four gallons of water.
7. Q. What is steam, and how is it generated?
A. Steam is water in the condition of a vapor and is generated by heating the water above the boiling point.
8. Q. What is the purpose of the water gauge glass and gauge cocks?
A. To indicate the level of water in the boiler.
9. Q. What would indicate to you that the boiler connections of water gauge glasses were becoming clogged?