Help:Steam - Revision history

S301 at 02:34, 3 August 2018

2018-08-03T02:34:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:34, 3 August 2018
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	''Note: When traveling down a hill, due care may be required to keep your train under control. When making a long descent, keep in mind that several successive brake applications and releases can result in depletion of the system, and it's therefore sometimes necessary to plan your approach to braking. It may be necessary to set a constant partial application to control your speed.''		''Note: When traveling down a hill, due care may be required to keep your train under control. When making a long descent, keep in mind that several successive brake applications and releases can result in depletion of the system, and it's therefore sometimes necessary to plan your approach to braking. It may be necessary to set a constant partial application to control your speed.''

			Return to:
			*[[Help:TRS19\|TRS19 Help Page]]
			*[[Help:TRS19_Driver_Controls_Steam\|TRS129 Driver Controls - Steam Controls]]

Whistler36: form => from

2017-06-25T00:59:54Z

form => from

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:59, 25 June 2017
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	You must also have the boiler filled up appropriately with water. A hot fire and an empty boiler is a catastrophic situation. Maintaining the water level in the boiler is of great concern. The water glass in the engine shows you the level of water in the boiler. Try and keep it at about 2/3 of the way up the glass.		You must also have the boiler filled up appropriately with water. A hot fire and an empty boiler is a catastrophic situation. Maintaining the water level in the boiler is of great concern. The water glass in the engine shows you the level of water in the boiler. Try and keep it at about 2/3 of the way up the glass.

	The Steam Injector is a precision piece of equipment which uses a venturi system to use high pressure steam to push water ~~form~~ the tender into the boiler under pressure through a check valve which only allows water into the boiler if the pressure behind the water exceeds the pressure in the boiler. Use the Steam Injector to bring the water level up to the right level and then turn it off.		The Steam Injector is a precision piece of equipment which uses a venturi system to use high pressure steam to push water from the tender into the boiler under pressure through a check valve which only allows water into the boiler if the pressure behind the water exceeds the pressure in the boiler. Use the Steam Injector to bring the water level up to the right level and then turn it off.

	Once the train is moving, the Steam Injector can be set carefully to just the right setting so that the amount of water entering the boiler matches that being used up as the steam is used to drive the train. If you have equilibrium here, the water level will be maintained at a given level. But as an engineer, you must continually adjust the flow of water as steam will be used up at different rates depending on the speed of the engine and how hard it is working which can vary dramatically with grades.		Once the train is moving, the Steam Injector can be set carefully to just the right setting so that the amount of water entering the boiler matches that being used up as the steam is used to drive the train. If you have equilibrium here, the water level will be maintained at a given level. But as an engineer, you must continually adjust the flow of water as steam will be used up at different rates depending on the speed of the engine and how hard it is working which can vary dramatically with grades.

Rob at 00:39, 2 July 2014

2014-07-02T00:39:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:39, 2 July 2014
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	'''Water'''		'''Water'''

	The Water field displays the percentage of the water in the 'sight glass' which is used to assess the level of water in the ~~boiler~~. The water level should be maintained at around 60-70%. The injectors move water from the tender (or engine mounted water tank) to the boiler. Pumping water into the boiler can also be used to reduce the rate of pressure increase in the boiler as the thermal energy of the fire heats the incoming cool water.		The Water field displays the percentage of the water in the 'sight glass' which is used to assess the level of water above the firebox crown sheet. The water level should be maintained at around 60-70%. The injectors move water from the tender (or engine mounted water tank) to the boiler. Pumping water into the boiler can also be used to reduce the rate of pressure increase in the boiler as the thermal energy of the fire heats the incoming cool water.

	'''Steam Chest'''		'''Steam Chest'''

Rob at 05:59, 1 July 2014

2014-07-01T05:59:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:59, 1 July 2014
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	[[File:Steam_HUD.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Steam HUD]]<br clear=all>		[[File:Steam_HUD.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Steam HUD]]<br clear=all>

	''In terms of the fields for monitoring Train Brake status the Steam HUD Panel is identical to the Diesel/Electric HUD Panel. Throttle and Reverser fields are replaced by the Regulator and Cutoff. In addition there are Boiler, Water, Steam Chest and Coal and fields which are used to monitor your current steam generation capacity.''		In terms of the fields for monitoring Train Brake status the Steam HUD Panel is identical to the Diesel/Electric HUD Panel. Throttle and Reverser fields are replaced by the Regulator and Cutoff. In addition there are Boiler, Water, Steam Chest and Coal and fields which are used to monitor your current steam generation capacity.

	'''Boiler'''		'''Boiler'''

Rob at 05:58, 1 July 2014

2014-07-01T05:58:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:58, 1 July 2014
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	Controlling a steam engine is quite different from a diesel or electric engine. Rather than throttle "notch" settings, the regulator and reverser are combined as the power control and balancing these and maintaining steam is ~~the art of~~ steam ~~engine driving~~.		Controlling a steam engine is quite different from a diesel or electric engine. Rather than throttle "notch" settings, the regulator and reverser are combined as the power control and balancing these and maintaining steam is central to steam locomotive operation.

	== Steam HUD ==		== Steam HUD ==
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	The steam chest is a chamber containing passageways used by the valves to distribute steam to the cylinders. The pressure reading for the steam chest can be used to gauge the rate of steam usage.		The steam chest is a chamber containing passageways used by the valves to distribute steam to the cylinders. The pressure reading for the steam chest can be used to gauge the rate of steam usage.

	'''Coal'''		'''Coal level'''

	Displays the level of coal in the firebox.		Displays the level of coal in the firebox.

Rob at 05:56, 1 July 2014

2014-07-01T05:56:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:56, 1 July 2014
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	Toggle the Bell on or off by moving the bell switch or by pressing the "B" key.		Toggle the Bell on or off by moving the bell switch or by pressing the "B" key.

			'''Brakes'''

			An introduction to the operation of the Westinghouse Air Brake can be found [[Help: Cab Mode\|here]]

	== General Operating Principles ==		== General Operating Principles ==

Rob at 05:49, 1 July 2014

2014-07-01T05:49:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:49, 1 July 2014
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	[[File:Steam_HUD.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Steam HUD]]<br clear=all>		[[File:Steam_HUD.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Steam HUD]]<br clear=all>

	In terms of the fields for monitoring Train Brake status the Steam HUD Panel is identical to the Diesel/Electric HUD Panel. Throttle and Reverser fields are replaced by the Regulator and Cutoff. In addition there are Boiler, Water, Steam Chest and Coal and fields which are used to monitor your current steam generation capacity.		''In terms of the fields for monitoring Train Brake status the Steam HUD Panel is identical to the Diesel/Electric HUD Panel. Throttle and Reverser fields are replaced by the Regulator and Cutoff. In addition there are Boiler, Water, Steam Chest and Coal and fields which are used to monitor your current steam generation capacity.''

	'''Boiler'''		'''Boiler'''
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	When approaching a heavy ascent for example, a hot fire is required to maintain adequate steam pressure. Conversely when approaching an easy section with a hot fire, the rate of pressure increase in the boiler can be eased to prevent lifting safety valves by adding more water to the boiler, or indeed more coal if there is hard work to do up ahead.		When approaching a heavy ascent for example, a hot fire is required to maintain adequate steam pressure. Conversely when approaching an easy section with a hot fire, the rate of pressure increase in the boiler can be eased to prevent lifting safety valves by adding more water to the boiler, or indeed more coal if there is hard work to do up ahead.

	Note: Nominal Boiler Pressure is different for each locomotive type.		''Note: Nominal Boiler Pressure is different for each locomotive type.''

	Note: Take care not to add excessive coal, as this will lower the temperature of the fire for a time. A great rule of thumb is "a little coal often", try between 2-4 shovels every kilometer (that's 3-6 shovels every mile).		''Note: Take care not to add excessive coal, as this will lower the temperature of the fire for a time. A great rule of thumb is "a little coal often", try between 2-4 shovels every kilometer (that's 3-6 shovels every mile).''

	'''Regulator'''		'''Regulator'''
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	To control a locomotive in Cab Mode you can either manipulate the various levers and handles in the Cab View with the mouse or you can use the keyboard shortcuts. If you want to operate the Cabin controls directly in Cab View, move the mouse over the various controls then click and drag to move the control into the appropriate position.		To control a locomotive in Cab Mode you can either manipulate the various levers and handles in the Cab View with the mouse or you can use the keyboard shortcuts. If you want to operate the Cabin controls directly in Cab View, move the mouse over the various controls then click and drag to move the control into the appropriate position.

	Note: If you are operating a consist with multiple steam locomotives you will need to control each locomotive individually in Cab Control mode.		''Note: If you are operating a consist with multiple steam locomotives you will need to control each locomotive individually in Cab Control mode.''

	'''Reverser (F/R)'''		'''Reverser (F/R)'''
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	to keep to the speed limit.		to keep to the speed limit.

	Note: When traveling down a hill, due care may be required to keep your train under control. When making a long descent, keep in mind that several successive brake applications and releases can result in depletion of the system, and it's therefore sometimes necessary to plan your approach to braking. It may be necessary to set a constant partial application to control your speed.		''Note: When traveling down a hill, due care may be required to keep your train under control. When making a long descent, keep in mind that several successive brake applications and releases can result in depletion of the system, and it's therefore sometimes necessary to plan your approach to braking. It may be necessary to set a constant partial application to control your speed.''

Rob at 05:47, 1 July 2014

2014-07-01T05:47:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:47, 1 July 2014
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	Note: Take care not to add excessive coal, as this will lower the temperature of the fire for a time. A great rule of thumb is "a little coal often", try between 2-4 shovels every kilometer (that's 3-6 shovels every mile).		Note: Take care not to add excessive coal, as this will lower the temperature of the fire for a time. A great rule of thumb is "a little coal often", try between 2-4 shovels every kilometer (that's 3-6 shovels every mile).

	Regulator		'''Regulator'''

	The Regulator field displays the current position of your regulator the range of values is expressed as a percentage (0-100%). The Regulator in conjunction with the Reverser setting determines how much and at what portion of the piston stroke that steam is sent to the cylinder. Together the Reverser (or Cutoff setting) and the Regulator act as the Train's throttle.		The Regulator field displays the current position of your regulator the range of values is expressed as a percentage (0-100%). The Regulator in conjunction with the Reverser setting determines how much and at what portion of the piston stroke that steam is sent to the cylinder. Together the Reverser (or Cutoff setting) and the Regulator act as the Train's throttle.

			'''Cutoff'''
	Cutoff

	The Cutoff field displays the percent cutoff as dictated by the position of the Reversing gear and is expressed as a percentage (minus 75% to plus 75%). Negative values indicate the valve gear has been set to move the locomotive in reverse. The higher the Cutoff value the greater the duration of steam application to each piston stroke. Long cutoff, represented by higher percentage values (40 to 75%), maximize the tractive effort applied to the locomotive wheels. This is mainly used to get the locomotive moving from a standstill, accelerating away from a signal check, or when tackling an ascent.Short cutoff, represented by lower percentage values (less than 40%) are used to maximize the speed attainable by the locomotive during easy sections of the route.		The Cutoff field displays the percent cutoff as dictated by the position of the Reversing gear and is expressed as a percentage (minus 75% to plus 75%). Negative values indicate the valve gear has been set to move the locomotive in reverse. The higher the Cutoff value the greater the duration of steam application to each piston stroke. Long cutoff, represented by higher percentage values (40 to 75%), maximize the tractive effort applied to the locomotive wheels. This is mainly used to get the locomotive moving from a standstill, accelerating away from a signal check, or when tackling an ascent.Short cutoff, represented by lower percentage values (less than 40%) are used to maximize the speed attainable by the locomotive during easy sections of the route.

	Water		'''Water'''

	The Water field displays the percentage of the water in the 'sight glass' which is used to assess the level of water in the boiler. The water level should be maintained at around 60-70%. The injectors move water from the tender (or engine mounted water tank) to the boiler. Pumping water into the boiler can also be used to reduce the rate of pressure increase in the boiler as the thermal energy of the fire heats the incoming cool water.		The Water field displays the percentage of the water in the 'sight glass' which is used to assess the level of water in the boiler. The water level should be maintained at around 60-70%. The injectors move water from the tender (or engine mounted water tank) to the boiler. Pumping water into the boiler can also be used to reduce the rate of pressure increase in the boiler as the thermal energy of the fire heats the incoming cool water.

	Steam Chest		'''Steam Chest'''

	The steam chest is a chamber containing passageways used by the valves to distribute steam to the cylinders. The pressure reading for the steam chest can be used to gauge the rate of steam usage.		The steam chest is a chamber containing passageways used by the valves to distribute steam to the cylinders. The pressure reading for the steam chest can be used to gauge the rate of steam usage.

	Coal		'''Coal'''

	Displays the level of coal in the firebox.		Displays the level of coal in the firebox.
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	== Steam Cab Controls ==		== Steam Cab Controls ==

	[[File:Steam_Controls.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Steam Controls]]		[[File:Steam_Controls.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Steam Controls]]<br clear=all>


	To control a locomotive in Cab Mode you can either manipulate the various levers and handles in the Cab View with the mouse or you can use the keyboard shortcuts. If you want to operate the Cabin controls directly in Cab View, move the mouse over the various controls then click and drag to move the control into the appropriate position.		To control a locomotive in Cab Mode you can either manipulate the various levers and handles in the Cab View with the mouse or you can use the keyboard shortcuts. If you want to operate the Cabin controls directly in Cab View, move the mouse over the various controls then click and drag to move the control into the appropriate position.
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	Note: If you are operating a consist with multiple steam locomotives you will need to control each locomotive individually in Cab Control mode.		Note: If you are operating a consist with multiple steam locomotives you will need to control each locomotive individually in Cab Control mode.

	Reverser (F/R)		'''Reverser (F/R)'''

	The reverser determines the steam Cutoff and has a range of -75% to +75%. Negative values indicate the valve gear has been set to select reverse movement, conversely positive values set the valve gear to select forward movement. The neutral or mid-gear position (0% cutoff) prevents any tractive effort being applied to the locomotive wheels.		The reverser determines the steam Cutoff and has a range of -75% to +75%. Negative values indicate the valve gear has been set to select reverse movement, conversely positive values set the valve gear to select forward movement. The neutral or mid-gear position (0% cutoff) prevents any tractive effort being applied to the locomotive wheels.

	Regulator (W/X)		'''Regulator (W/X)'''

	In Cab View select the required Regulator setting by moving the regulator lever to the required position (0 to 100%) or pressing the "W" key to increase or "X" to decrease.		In Cab View select the required Regulator setting by moving the regulator lever to the required position (0 to 100%) or pressing the "W" key to increase or "X" to decrease.

	Fireman (Space)		'''Fireman (Space)'''

	To stoke the fire by adding fuel, press the 'Space' bar. As the fire is stoked it burns hotter (red is a cool fire, white is a hot fire).		To stoke the fire by adding fuel, press the 'Space' bar. As the fire is stoked it burns hotter (red is a cool fire, white is a hot fire).

	Lights (L)		'''Lights (L)'''

	Toggle the headlights on or off by moving the light switch or by pressing the "L" key.		Toggle the headlights on or off by moving the light switch or by pressing the "L" key.

	Whistle (H)		'''Whistle (H)'''

	To operate the whistle move the whistle lever or press the "H" key to operate the whistle. For long blasts of the whistle, simply hold the whistle lever or "H" key down. Some multi-tone whistles only have a single blast pattern.		To operate the whistle move the whistle lever or press the "H" key to operate the whistle. For long blasts of the whistle, simply hold the whistle lever or "H" key down. Some multi-tone whistles only have a single blast pattern.

	Bell (B)		'''Bell (B)'''

	Toggle the Bell on or off by moving the bell switch or by pressing the "B" key.		Toggle the Bell on or off by moving the bell switch or by pressing the "B" key.

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	Another key control valve on the backhead is the Blower Valve. The Blower Valve is used to control a jet of steam that is blown up the middle of the chimney in the smoke box at the front of the steam engine. It accelerates the flow of air through the chimney pulling a strong draft through the firebox to keep the fires burning strongly. When the engine is moving the exhausting steam used from the cylinders that drive the train provide a good draft. But when the train is stopped or if you fire is not burning as hot as you would like, the blower can be used to maintain this draft through the fire.		Another key control valve on the backhead is the Blower Valve. The Blower Valve is used to control a jet of steam that is blown up the middle of the chimney in the smoke box at the front of the steam engine. It accelerates the flow of air through the chimney pulling a strong draft through the firebox to keep the fires burning strongly. When the engine is moving the exhausting steam used from the cylinders that drive the train provide a good draft. But when the train is stopped or if you fire is not burning as hot as you would like, the blower can be used to maintain this draft through the fire.

			The Reverser or Cutoff has multiple positions and adjusts the steam locomotive's valve gear in such a way that the pistons drive the driving wheels in the appropriate directions. In the center or neutral position, no tractive effort will be developed by opening the throttle. When first starting a steam engine, place the Reverser Handle in the full forward position. Once the consist is moving forward at a constant speed, bring the Reverser Handle back towards the short cutoff position, thus adjusting the valve gear appropriately for most efficient operation to preserve your use of coal and water. Move the Reverser Handle forward into the high cutoff range when accelerating or climbing grades.
	The ~~Reverse~~ or Cutoff has multiple positions and adjusts the steam locomotive's valve gear in such a way that the pistons drive the driving wheels in the appropriate directions. In the center or neutral position, no tractive effort will be developed by opening the throttle. When first starting a steam engine, place the Reverser Handle in the full forward position. Once the consist is moving forward at a constant speed, bring the Reverser Handle back towards the short cutoff position, thus adjusting the valve gear appropriately for most efficient operation to preserve your use of coal and water. Move the Reverser Handle forward into the high cutoff range when accelerating or climbing grades.

	The Reverser is used with the Regulator to control a combination of speed and tractive effort. Correct use of the Regulator is governed by factors such as the type of locomotive, the weight and length of the train, the severity of grades and weather conditions.		The Reverser is used with the Regulator to control a combination of speed and tractive effort. Correct use of the Regulator is governed by factors such as the type of locomotive, the weight and length of the train, the severity of grades and weather conditions.

Rob at 05:46, 1 July 2014

2014-07-01T05:46:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:46, 1 July 2014
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	[[File:Steam_HUD.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Steam HUD]]<br clear=all>		[[File:Steam_HUD.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Steam HUD]]<br clear=all>


	In terms of the fields for monitoring Train Brake status the Steam HUD Panel is identical to the Diesel/Electric HUD Panel. Throttle and Reverser fields are replaced by the Regulator and Cutoff. In addition there are Boiler, Water, Steam Chest and Coal and fields which are used to monitor your current steam generation capacity.		In terms of the fields for monitoring Train Brake status the Steam HUD Panel is identical to the Diesel/Electric HUD Panel. Throttle and Reverser fields are replaced by the Regulator and Cutoff. In addition there are Boiler, Water, Steam Chest and Coal and fields which are used to monitor your current steam generation capacity.

	Boiler		'''Boiler'''

	The Boiler field measures the current steam pressure in the boiler. The steam pressure in the boiler is dependent on a number of factors and maintaining a head of steam is one of the challenges in running a steam locomotive. When the nominal boiler pressure is exceeded, Safety Valves lift to vent excess pressure to the atmosphere. A good crew will avoid this waste of steam and fuel by striking a good balance between the temperature of the fire, the pressure in the boiler, and the conditions of the road ahead.		The Boiler field measures the current steam pressure in the boiler. The steam pressure in the boiler is dependent on a number of factors and maintaining a head of steam is one of the challenges in running a steam locomotive. When the nominal boiler pressure is exceeded, Safety Valves lift to vent excess pressure to the atmosphere. A good crew will avoid this waste of steam and fuel by striking a good balance between the temperature of the fire, the pressure in the boiler, and the conditions of the road ahead.

Rob at 05:45, 1 July 2014

2014-07-01T05:45:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:45, 1 July 2014
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	== Steam HUD ==		== Steam HUD ==

	[[File:Steam_HUD.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Steam HUD]]<br>		[[File:Steam_HUD.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Steam HUD]]<br clear=all>