The Project Gutenberg eBook of Young Engineer's Guide, by J. V. Rohan This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook. Title: Young Engineer's Guide Author: J. V. Rohan Release Date: August 22, 2021 [eBook #66109] Language: English Character set encoding: UTF-8 Produced by: deaurider and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive) *** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK YOUNG ENGINEER'S GUIDE *** YOUNG ENGINEER’S GUIDE. BY J. V. ROHAN, RACINE, WISCONSIN. PRICE: Cloth Bound, $1.00. Leather Bound, 1.25. Copyright, 1894. BY J. V. ROHAN. All rights reserved. INDEX. PAGE. Ascending Hills, 150 Automatic Oiler, 79 Banking Fires, 162 Babbitting Boxes, 188 Belting, 165 Blower, 55 Blow-off Valve, 105 Calking Flues, 52 Check Valve, 107 Cleaning Flues, 53 Compression Grease Cup, 108 Compound Engines, 189 Connecting Rod, 67 Crank, 68 Crank-Pin, 69 Cross-head, 66 Cross-head Pump, 91 Crossing Bridges and Culverts, 156 Cylinder Cocks, 107 Descending Hills, 154 Differential Gear, 115 Duties of Engineers, 13 Eccentrics, 73 Eccentric Strap, 73 Eccentric Rod, 74 Ejector, 97 Engine Frame, 67 Engine Stalled, 155 Exhaust Nozzle, 55 Firing With Coal, 160 Firing with Wood, 159 Firing with Straw, 159 Foaming, 156 Friction Clutch, 116 Fusible Plug, 56 Gauge Cocks, 106 Gearing, 113 General Information, 170 Governor, 76 Heater, 96 Heating of Journals, 141 Hints to Purchasers, 9 Horizontal Tubular Boiler, 15 Injector, 83 Jet Pump, 97 Knocks or Pounds, 137 Laying Up a Traction Engine, 163 Link Reverse, 69 Link, 72 Locomotive Boiler, 16 Low Water Alarm, 57 Packing Piston and Valve Rods, 143 Piston and Rod, 62 Priming, 157 Questions with Answers concerning Boilers, 30 Questions with Answers concerning Engines and Boilers, 119 Questions with Answers for Engineers applying for License, 195 Return Flue Boiler, 18 Reversing an Engine, 130 Reverse Lever, 72 Rules and Tables, 226 Safety Valve, 101 Setting Plain Slide Valve, 144 Setting Slide Valve of Reversing Engine, 147 Setting Valve Duplex Pump, 150 Steam Cylinder, 61 Steam Chest, 63 Steam Engine, 60 Steam Gauge, 98 Steam Pump, 89 Testing Piston Rings and Valves, 136 Throttle, 88 Traction Engines, 112 Valve, 64 Vertical Boiler, 22 Water Tube Boiler, 24 Water Gauge, 104 Work-shop Recipes, 186 Woolf Valve Gear, 74 INDEX OF ILLUSTRATIONS. ENGINES. E. P. Allis & Co., Milwaukee, Wis., 21 J. I. Case Threshing Machine Co., Racine, Wis., 26, 29, 224 Gaar, Scott & Co., Richmond, Ind., 36 Nichols & Shepard, Battle Creek, Mich., 49 J. I. Case Engine Co., New Britain, Conn., 58 M. Rumely Co., LaPorte, Ind., 71 Minneapolis Thresh. Machine Co., Minneapolis, Minn., 111 Advance Thresher Co., Battle Creek, Mich., 129 Watertown Engine Co., Watertown, N. Y., 135 Frick Co., Waynesboro, Pa., 153 Armington & Sims Engine Co., Providence, R. I., 168 The Geiser Manufacturing Co., Waynesboro, Pa., 178 The Ball Engine Co., Erie, Pa., 193 A. W. Stevens & Son, Auburn, N. Y., 203 BOILERS. S. Freeman & Sons Manuf’g Co., Racine, Wis., 15, 16, 17, 22 J. I. Case Threshing Machine Co., Racine, Wis., 19 The Stirling Co., Chicago, Ill., 25 FITTINGS. Thomas Prosser & Son, P. O. Box 2873, New York City, 52 Frontier Manufacturing Co., Buffalo, N. Y., 54 The Lunkenheimer Co., Cincinnati, O., 56, 89, 104, 106, 107 J. I. Case Threshing Machine Co., Racine, Wis., 75, 90, 116 The Gardner Governor Co., Quincy, Ill., 76 The Detroit Lubricator Co., Detroit, Mich., 81, 82, 83 American Injector Co., Detroit, Mich., 84, 87, 97, 98 Battle Creek Steam Pump Co., Battle Creek, Mich., 93, 94 The Ashcroft Manuf’ct’g Co., P O Box 2803, N. Y. City, 99, 100 E. B. Kunkle & Co., Fort Wayne, Ind., 101, 102 Chas H. Besly & Co., Chicago, Ill., 109 PREFACE. Some two years ago the author commenced collecting memoranda of mechanical and practical information pertaining to the care and operation of steam engines and boilers, with a view of forming a systematic digest. Being an employee of the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Co. for a number of years my attention was called to the constant inquiry for a book of this description from young men mechanically inclined and those running farm engines and small steam plants. By repeated assurance that there was great need for such a work, and by ready and valuable assistance from personal friends and experts in mechanical engineering, I have considered it advisable to publish a practical guide for young engineers. The aim has been to place the information contained in the book in the most simple and compact form, and while it is not intended for the education of the more advanced engineers, the instructions given will be found practical in the operation of steam plants of any size. It is more especially intended for the instruction and guidance of young men learning to run engines, and those operating farm engines and small plants, whose experience has been limited. After carefully considering the mode of presentation, it was thought best to adopt the form of a catechism, with the questions and answers so set forth as to resemble an ordinary conversation; also to illustrate and give a minute description of the construction and function of the different parts used in the building of engines and boilers. While the greater part of the information is new, parts have been compiled from Power, Roper and other mechanical papers and books, simplified to meet the required aim, for which due acknowledgement is here given. J. V. Rohan. Racine, Wis., 1895. Young Engineer’s Guide. HINTS TO PURCHASERS. In selecting an engine of whatever style, or for whatever purpose it is very important to get not only a good one, but one that is of the proper size. Do not entertain the mistaken idea that it is best to have a larger engine than is required (so that it will do its work easily), as an engine which is too large for the work required is very wasteful both of fuel and water. An engine always gives the best results when it has a fair load. In the selection of a farm or traction engine you should look carefully to the arrangement of the driving gear, the manner in which the engine and the traction wheels are attached to the boiler, the convenient arrangement of the throttle lever, reverse lever, steering wheel, friction clutch lever, independent pump (if used) and injector for easy operation from the footboard, as the easy control of all these parts by the engineer saves much time and annoyance and in many instances may prevent accident which might prove disastrous to both life and property. Always purchase a boiler with sufficient capacity to allow a small margin beyond its ordinary requirements. Be sure and have the boiler or boilers properly set so that the best results may be derived from the fuel burned. Many good boilers are condemned because they do not steam well on account of bad setting. If a locomotive style of boiler, see that it has a large fire box (well stayed) and a sufficient number of flues to allow of easy firing and good combustion of the fuel without being obliged to use a forced draft. If a return flue boiler see that the main flue is of sufficient size and of the required ⁵/₁₆ inch thickness of material; also that it has a mud drum and from four to six hand-holes (the more the better) both top and bottom for the purpose of keeping the boiler free from scale and becoming mud burnt and unsafe. Remember there is no advantage in carrying low steam pressure in boilers as it is more economical to carry high pressure rather than low. The average boiler pressure should be about 80 lbs. per square inch, which is not too high for safety, nor too low for economy of fuel. The purchaser must use his own discretion as to the style of engine he prefers, a horizontal or vertical, side or center crank, as all styles are extensively used with equally good results. It is purely a matter of preference depending, of course, largely upon space or room available for stationary engine. Do not make the mistake of deeming that any kind of a foundation will answer for a stationary engine. It should be built by a skillful mason in every case and hard brick or stone and cement used in its construction. The best is always the cheapest in the end. An engine or boiler should never be put in a dark corner or damp cellar, rather place them when possible in dry well lighted rooms and so arranged that every part can be reached when necessary without trouble or delay. Walls and floors should be kept clean and a good supply of oil cans, wrenches, waste and whatever tools are needed should be kept in their proper places. The purchaser of a traction engine should see that it has a Friction Clutch as an engine with a clutch is much more practical, convenient and safe to handle upon the road than one without a clutch. The matter of brackets, braces, gearing, traction wheels, axle, the manner in which the engine is mounted upon the boiler should be well considered as there are many kinds and styles, all of which have their merit “more or less.” Your own judgment should be used as to the style wanted after thoroughly studying the various kinds. Do not make the too common mistake of thinking a cheap engineer is the man you want. The engine and boiler are important factors in the success of your business and no matter how simple and strong they may be it will pay you to put them in charge of a competent engineer who is capable of taking the proper care of them. For a small plant, or traction engine, it is not necessary to have the highest grade of ability, as there are several grades among engineers; but it is better to pay a suitable man for competent and faithful work than to pay for what may happen through the neglect or incompetency of one whose only recommendation is that he is cheap. Do not be deceived by imposters claiming to be first-class engineers, who, the first thing they do, to substantiate their claims, alter the engine in some way that only deranges it. Be watchful of this and see that such men do not tamper with the valves and adjustments of the engine, which are always set properly before it leaves the factory. [Pg 9] [Pg 10] [Pg 11] [Pg 12] [Pg 13] DUTIES OF ENGINEERS. The duties of an engineer are of much more importance and require a better knowledge of the operating of machinery than is generally understood. The responsibilities that rest upon him are very great; this applies to all engineers, but more especially to inexperienced men who take charge of small plants or farm engines, whose knowledge of machinery and the dangers connected with the improper handling of it, is limited. The proper management of boilers and engines is of as vital importance to prevent accident as their proper construction; as they are liable to get out of order and become unsafe unless the engineer is sufficiently informed to know what precautions should be taken under any and all circumstances that might prove disastrous. Not only should an engineer be ever on the alert to guard against accident, but he should also be capable of keeping the engine, boiler and appliances in good condition, as the life of the machinery depends largely upon his competency and the faithful performance of his duties. An Engineer: Should be sober. Should be industrious. Should be careful. Should be faithful to his charge. Should keep his engine and its surroundings neat and clean. Should keep his engine running smoothly without knocks or pounds. Should learn to let “well enough” alone. Should never attempt experiments unless he knows what he is about. Should have a place for everything and keep everything in its place. Should show by the quietness in running and appearance of the engine in his charge that it is properly cared for. Should constantly endeavor to expand his mind as to the management, construction and care of boilers, engines and their appliances. Should carry this book in his pocket for reference as it contains much valuable information and in a time of need may save much time and expense, or even prevent a catastrophe. [Pg 14] Boilers. HORIZONTAL TUBULAR BOILER. Q. How is a horizontal tubular boiler constructed? A. It has a cylindrical shell, with heads riveted at each end, in which are placed a large number of tubes, 4 inches or less in diameter. It is set in brick work, with the furnace at one end, beneath the shell. The products of combustion pass under the boiler its full length and return through the tubes or flues to an up-take at the front end. It is furnished with a man-hole beneath the flues, and hand-holes for cleaning, and generally has a steam dome. Freeman’s Horizontal Tubular Boiler. Q. What are the advantages of a horizontal boiler? A. It is simple in form, easy to construct, requires bracing only on the flat heads, which are sustained their greater part by the tubes, generates a large amount of steam for the space occupied, and is not difficult to keep clean with fairly pure feed water. LOCOMOTIVE BOILER. Q. How is a locomotive or fire box boiler constructed? A. The ends of a cylindrical shell are continued straight down upon the sides, and enclosed to form a rectangular structure in its lower portion and conformed to the curvature of the cylindrical shell at the top. In the rectangular portion is secured a fire box, separated from the sides and ends by water spaces called “water legs,” and having its top which is called the “crown sheet” about the center of the cylindrical shell. An opening is formed in both sheets in rear end of the fire box door frame. The cylindrical shell has heads riveted at both ends. These heads have numerous flues open at both ends put in. All the flat surfaces are stayed to each other at suitable intervals, and the crown sheet is stayed from the shell. The fuel is thrown in through the door at the rear, and the products of combustion are conveyed to further extremity through the tubes or flues. It is furnished with hand-holes for cleaning and a steam dome. There are two different styles of fire boxes on Locomotive Boilers, the round bottom fire box in which the water circulates under the grates, and the square open bottom fire box. Both kinds are used extensively. Freeman Locomotive Boiler. Sectional View Freeman Locomotive Boiler. Q. What advantages have the locomotive or fire box boiler? A. It is entirely self-contained, generates steam very rapidly, is economical in space, and needs no elaborate foundation. Q. What disadvantages has the locomotive or fire box boiler? A. Expensive first cost, and difficulty in cleaning, especially where impure feed water is used. RETURN FLUE BOILER. Q. Describe the construction of a Return Flue Boiler? A. It has a cylindrical shell, with heads riveted at each end, in which are placed a large main flue, and a number of small flues or tubes, open at both ends. The top row of flues is placed below the water line. One end of the main flue is used for the fire box, into which the fuel is thrown through door at back end and the products of combustion pass forward through this main flue to an ample smoke box in front end, and return through the smaller flues or tubes to smoke box at rear end, which is connected to the smoke stack. They are generally supplied with steam dome and mud drum, and are used extensively in the construction of traction engines where straw is used for fuel. They are also furnished with several hand- holes placed in proper places for cleaning the boiler. [Pg 15] [Pg 16] [Pg 17] [Pg 18] [Pg 19] Sectional View J. I. Case Return Flue Boiler. Q. What are the advantages of this style of boiler? A. Large heating surface, easily repaired and cleaned, simplicity of construction and compactness. REYNOLDS CORLISS CONDENSING AND NON-CONDENSING ENGINE. This engine has a massive, peculiarly constructed frame, being cast in two parts. The forward part contains the main pillow block bearing, and the part in which the cross-head runs is cylindrical in shape, and has bored Guides, and large lateral openings. The crank is a large disc plate, and the large heavy fly-wheel serves the double purpose of a drive pulley and balance wheel. The cylinder is supplied with four valves, two at the top and two at the bottom, and directly upon the bore of the cylinder. The two at the top are the steam valves, the two at the bottom are exhaust valves, and receive their motion from a single eccentric acting through the medium of a wrist plate or vibrating disc, from which the valve connections radiate. The valve being independently adjusted, the commencement, extent and rapidity of the movement of each can be most accurately arranged. The steam valves are controlled by the Governor, which, being very sensitive to the variation of load, allows just the required amount of steam to enter the cylinder to keep up the uniform speed. The exhaust valves being at the lower ends of the cylinder, at the clearance space, the water of condensation is allowed to escape in the most thorough manner, without the use of cylinder cocks or other devices. This style of engine is intended for all purposes, but is especially adapted to heavy and continuous work and where the conditions call for an engine capable of working under a high steam pressure, also when the work is of an intermittent character. Reynolds Corliss “1890” Engine—Front View. VERTICAL BOILER. Sectional View Freeman Vertical Boiler. Q. How is a Vertical Tubular Boiler generally constructed? A. A cylindrical fire box set into the lower part of a vertical cylindrical shell, the space between forming an annular “water leg.” An opening is formed in both sheets for the fire door. The top of the fire box serves as a flue sheet for numerous tubes or flues which extend through the closed top of the outside shell, and through which the products of combustion pass to the smoke stack. The upper portions of the tubes are surrounded by steam. Where this style of boiler is made for marine purposes, the upper part of the tubes is submerged, and is called a submerged-flue boiler. Q. What advantages has the vertical type of boiler? A. Minimum floor space, portability, low cost of setting, and a wide allowable variation in the water level. Q. What disadvantages has this type? A. Liability to leakage in the exposed upper ends of flues where they are not submerged, deposits from impure water in the “water leg,” in small sizes insufficient heating surface, though the latter fault can be corrected by making the boiler very tall. Some of the very large vertical boilers are remarkably efficient. WATER TUBE BOILER. Stirling Water Tube Boiler. [Pg 20] [Pg 21] [Pg 22] [Pg 23] [Pg 24] Q. How is a water tube boiler constructed? A. The Stirling Water Tube Boiler as illustrated, has three upper or steam domes, the steam space of all of which is connected, while the water space of the two front domes is connected. All of these three domes are connected with a lower or mud drum, which is not bricked in, but is left free to expand and contract. The three upper domes are supported on wrought iron beams, which are entirely free and independent from the brick work. The feed water enters the rear upper dome, and descends gradually to the lower or mud drum, being heated in its descent by the escaping gases to a sufficiently high degree to cause precipitation in the mud drum of all of the solid or scale bearing matter that the feed water contains. The water then in the front bank of tubes is chemically pure, and all danger of scale reduced to a minimum. Q. What advantages have the water tube boilers? A. One of the great advantages of this style of boilers is its distinct circulation, being up the front bank of tubes across from the front upper dome to the middle dome, down the middle bank of tubes to the lower or mud drum, and up again the front bank of tubes, and so on in circuit. It also has great steaming capacity, and is economical in fuel. Steam is taken from the middle dome. This marked circulation is a desideratum in boiler practice, and the Stirling may be said to be the first that has accomplished it to so great a degree. Q. What disadvantages have the water tube boilers? A. Expensive first cost of setting them up in brick work. J. I. Case Traction Engine. J. I. CASE TRACTION ENGINE. This engine is known as the Center Crank, Rear Gear traction. The engine is mounted on the center of boiler at the rear end, and rests upon and is securely bolted to two saddles. The rear saddle also supports the two outer bearings for the crank shaft. The engine frame is cast in one piece, cylindrical in shape, with bored guides for cross-head, and has large lateral openings. It forms the front cylinder head at one end, and contains the two pillow block bearings at the other. The cylinder is overhanging and self-lining. It has the locomotive type boiler, with open bottom fire box, covered with an ash pan, and has a steam dome at front end. The outer shell of this boiler over fire box extends beyond the back head. To this extension is bolted the two brackets containing the bearings for the main axle and cross shaft. The traction wheels are of the wrought rim steel spoke type, with high mud cleats bolted diagonally across the entire width of tire. The front axle is supplied with a ball-bearing bolster, which supports the front end of boiler. The engine has the Friction Clutch, Link Reverse Gear, Long Heater, Independent Pump, Injector, Water Tank on side, Foot Board with Tool Boxes attached, and all necessary attachments and fittings to make a complete traction engine, and one that will be perfectly safe with proper handling. The steering wheel and band wheel are on the same side of engine, and the straight stack and extension front has a spark arrester on the inside. This engine is constructed to burn either coal or wood and with special arrangement can be made to burn straw. J. I. CASE RETURN FLUE TRACTION ENGINE. The foregoing description of the J. I. Case Traction Engine will apply to this engine in every particular with the exception of the boiler, the construction of engine, the traction gear and fittings being exactly the same. The boiler however is of the return flue, straw-burner type It is supplied with a large steam dome on front end and also a mud drum on under side. The fire box is at the rear end of main flue, and is covered by an ash pan. The boiler is lagged and jacketed, and the stack has a screen spark arrester at the top. This engine is intended to burn straw, but it will burn either wood or coal equally well, and is said to be very economical in fuel. J. I. Case Return Flue Traction Engine. QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS, [Pg 25] [Pg 26] [Pg 27] [Pg 28] [Pg 29] [Pg 30] concerning the operation and care of steam boilers. Q. How is steam taken from the boiler? A. By suitable piping leading from a steam dome on top of boiler. Q. What is a steam dome and how is it made? A. A steam dome is cylindrical in shape, is made usually of boiler plate flanged and riveted over a hole on top of boiler. Q. Of what use is a steam dome? A. Its use is to afford space for dry steam to collect. Q. What is a mud drum, and of what use is it? A. The mud drum is cylindrical in shape, made of boiler iron flanged and riveted over a hole on under side of boiler, in which mud and sediment may collect, and is of great value on a return flue boiler. Q. What are boilers furnished with so that they may be easily cleaned? A. Man-holes and hand-holes. Q. What are man-holes and hand-holes? A. The man-hole is a hole cut in boiler large enough to admit a man and is covered by a portable plate which can be fastened absolutely tight. Hand-holes are small holes cut in boiler in convenient places into which a hose can be placed and the boiler washed out and the mud and scale removed. Hand-holes are covered with portable plates which can be fastened absolutely tight. Q. How can a boiler be protected from the cold? A. By a non-conducting jacket which keeps off the cold, retains the high temperature of the boiler and prevents the radiation of heat. Q. What materials are used for jacketing a boiler? A. Plaster, wood, hair, rags, felt, paper and asbestos. Q. How are they applied? A. Wood is put on in long strips close together like barrel staves, fastened with hoops and usually covered with sheet iron. The other materials are put close to the boiler and held in place by sheet iron or canvas. They are sometimes put on with an intervening air space between them and the boiler. Q. What is the use of air space? A. It protects the material from being burned or otherwise injured by the heat. Q. Is there no radiation through these coverings? A. Yes, but the loss is very slight, as the temperature of covering should never rise above what just seems warm to the hand. Q. How should you feed water to a boiler? A. Continuously during the whole time that steam is being used. Q. Will a steam pump feed continuously? A. Yes, by running the pump faster or slower according to the amount of water required. Q. Why is a continuous feed preferable? A. Because it maintains the water in the boiler at a uniform level and gives the most perfect action. Q. Should precaution be taken in choice of water used in the boiler? A. Yes. Always use water that is as clear and free from foreign matter as can be procured, rain water preferred. Q. What is the result of using impure water? A. It will form a scale upon the flues and plates on the inside of boiler. Q. What harm does scale do? A. In the first place scale is a non-conductor and prevents the heat of furnace from producing its best effects upon the water and in the second place it allows the plates and flues to become over heated and burn. Q. How can you prevent the formation of scale? A. There are numerous compounds upon the market some of which are known to be very reliable, but for [Pg 31] [Pg 32] [Pg 33] ordinary purposes sal soda dissolved in the feed water answers very well. Q. What precaution should be taken in the use of sal soda? A. Great care should be taken that too much is not used at a time. If too much is used a great deal of trouble will be caused by the water in the boiler foaming. Q. How often should a boiler be cleaned? A. It depends entirely upon the condition of the feed water used and the amount of service exerted from it. It may vary from once or twice a week to once in two or three months, or even longer. Q. Does a boiler only require the regular cleaning? A. No, it should be blown off three or four times a day by the surface blow-off. Q. Should the surface blow-off be left open any length of time? A. No, only a few seconds at a time, say from fifteen seconds to a minute, even longer on larger boilers, but the engineer must use his own judgement in this matter. Q. What does the surface blow-off do? A. It blows out all the impurities that arise in the form of scum on the surface of the water, thus lessening the amount of scale formation. Q. How should a boiler be cleaned? A. By blowing the water out at a low pressure of steam and after cooling off wash out and scrape the inside, removing all scale and sediment. Q. How do you blow off your boiler? A. By means of a blow-off valve situated at the bottom part of the boiler. Q. When should a boiler be blown off? A. When the steam pressure entirely disappears and the water is at boiling point, if boiler is set in brick work. Q. Why not blow off under a full head of steam? A. Because when blown off under pressure there is heat enough remaining in the shell and flues to bake the scale upon the interior, thus rendering it exceedingly difficult to remove. Q. In what condition is the scale after blowing off at low pressure. A. Some may be baked hard and attached to the flues and shell, but the greater part will be soft and slushy so that it can be easily removed. Q. How is this slush removed from the boiler? A. If a fire box or return flue boiler, all the hand-hole plates should be removed and as much of the slush as possible raked out; then a hose is inserted and a stream of water forced in which will carry the remainder out. The hose should be placed in the top holes first. Q. Is it a good idea after blowing off a boiler to fill it with water again without delay? A. No. Because the boiler is hot, and if cold water is put in before it is thoroughly cooled off the boiler will be subjected to severe strains caused by the sudden contraction of the metal that is expanded by the heat, which will injure it to a greater or less degree. Garr-Scott Traction Engine. GARR-SCOTT TRACTION ENGINE. This engine, as will be seen by examining the cut, is of the Side Crank, Side Gear style, the engine of which is mounted upon a long heater, to which the cylinder and the main pillow block bearing are attached, and is supplied with the bar or locomotive guides for cross-head. It is fitted with the Link Reverse peculiar to their own style of manufacture, also Injector, Friction Clutch, Cross- head Pump, Governor, Syphon for filling Tank on front end, Automatic Sight-Feed Lubricator, and large Foot Board with Tool Boxes attached. The boiler is of the locomotive or round bottom fire box type, with dome on front end, and is mounted upon the traction wheels with axle arms attached to the sides of boiler, which are supplied with springs. The front axle is attached to the boiler with a bolster arrangement, which is also supplied with a spring. The traction wheels are made practically in one piece, having the spokes cast in both hub and rim, the cast iron rim being chilled faced, with the mud cleats cast on. [Pg 34] [Pg 35] [Pg 36] [Pg 37] The smoke stack is supplied with a screen suitable for burning either wood or coal. It has a patent steering attachment, the hand wheel of which is on the same side of engine as the band wheel. The engine and boiler are supplied with all the necessary fittings to make them convenient and safe with proper handling. Q. When should a boiler be filled after being blown off and cleaned? A. A boiler should not be filled under any circumstances until it is about the same temperature as the water used to fill it. Q. How are the hand-hole plates put back in position? A. The plate that covers the hole is put on the inside of the boiler and held in position against the plate by a bolt attached to it and passing out through a yoke which straddles the hole upon the outside and serves as a brace against which the bolt acts. Q. How is a leak prevented? A. By placing packing between the hand-hole plate and the boiler plate. Q. What is the best kind of packing to use for this purpose? A. Two or three ply sheet rubber is the best, cut in the form of a ring to fit the bearing surface of the plate. Q. Can any other material be used? A. Yes, hemp or cotton packing. When this is used it should be pulled out in fine shreds and thoroughly oiled before putting in position. Use as little as possible. Q. Do the metals need any preparation? A. Yes, all the old packing that may have burned on the metal should be thoroughly scraped off, also the scale should be removed from the vicinity so that the packing will have a smooth and even surface to bear against. Q. How are man-hole plates put in position? A. In the same manner as the hand-hole plates. Q. What is required of an engineer or fireman in the care of a boiler? A. He should watch carefully all the parts that are exposed to any steam and see that they do not become unduly weakened by corrosion or accident. All the working parts and fittings should be examined daily and be repaired or replaced as soon as they show signs of wear or weakness. The steam gauge and safety valve should receive constant care and both should be tested frequently, the one by the other, and the steam gauge by a standard in order that it may be known to be in perfect order. When scale forming water is used the feed pipe should be frequently uncoupled and examined and all sediment removed. The check valve should be examined frequently to see that it seats properly so that water cannot leak from boiler in this way and the utmost care should be taken in regard to the consumption of fuel. Q. In case of accident how should an engineer conduct himself? A. With the utmost coolness. Q. If the water gauge glass breaks, what should be done? A. The upper and lower gauge valves should be closed immediately. Q. Can a new glass be put in at once? A. No, because a new glass is cold, and if put in position and steam turned on, the sudden heat and expansion would be apt to crack it. Q. When can a new glass be put in? A. After the boiler has been cooled off. Q. What is to be done in the meantime? A. The boiler must be run by the use of the gauge cocks alone. Q. What is to be done if the gauge cocks leak? A. If the leak is in the seat, that part should be taken out and re-ground and refitted. This should be done at once. Q. What harm is done by a leaky gauge cock? A. It allows the water to run down over the face of the boiler, which tends to corrode it. Q. When the leak is where the gauge cock is screwed into the boiler, what is to be done? [Pg 38] [Pg 39] [Pg 40] [Pg 41] A. As soon as the boiler is cooled down examine and see if the gauge cock can be screwed up another turn. If so try that, then if the leak is not stopped the gauge cock must be taken out and a new one put in its place, or the thread of the old one so repaired that there will be no leak. Q. Why not screw up the leaky gauge cock when the boiler is under pressure? A. Because there is great danger of breaking the cock, thereby placing the engineer or fireman in great peril. Q. What should be done in case a gauge cock is accidentally broken off? A. Open the furnace door and if possible partially bank the fire, close the damper and allow the water to blow out at the hole until steam alone comes out. In the meantime get a piece of soft pine six or seven feet long and whittle down one end until it will about fit and jam it into the hole. Work it around until the jet of steam is stopped. Fasten the stick in temporarily and stop the engine if not already done. It will now depend on the condition of the break and the position of the surrounding parts as to the means to be employed. The stick should be cut off short and firmly driven into the hole and braced or tied securely. The engineer or fireman must use his own ingenuity for this work. Q. Can a boiler be worked in this condition? A. Yes, by the use of the gauge glass to determine the level of water. Q. Should a boiler be run in this condition continually? A. No. A new gauge cock should be supplied as soon as possible. Q. When a gauge cock becomes stopped up what should be done? A. After steam is down, the front or outer part may be taken off and a stiff wire run into it to open the clogged tube. Q. Is it simply necessary to get the wire through? A. No, the wire should be worked back and forth until all the deposit or scale is thoroughly cleaned out. Q. In case the steam gauge gets out of order what should be done? A. There should always be an extra gauge on hand that may be put to use. If there is no extra steam gauge, the engine should be shut down until the gauge can be repaired. Q. Why not continue running by using the safety valve? A. Because it is very dangerous and should never be attempted. Q. How much variation from the actual pressure can be allowed on steam gauge before it is repaired? A. None. As soon as suspected of being even slightly out of order it should be repaired. Q. In case the pump does not work what should be done? A. Supply the boiler by the injector. Q. What is to be done where there is no injector? A. First, care should be taken that the water in the boiler does not fall below the second gauge cock or out of sight in the gauge glass, then stop the engine and bank the fire. When this is done, examine the packing around the plunger to see that it does not leak air, then examine the valves of the pump to ascertain whether they are worn and leak. If this be the case they must be reseated at once. If the valves are all right, work the pump and open the side valve in the delivery pipe to see if the pump draws water. If no water appears, the trouble is probably in the suction pipe. Q. How can this be remedied? A. First examine the strainer at end of suction pipe or hose to see if it is stopped up; if it is, clean it out and try the pump. If it works, the difficulty is remedied. If the strainer is clean, examine the pipe or hose from end to end to see that it is perfectly air tight; if not, it should be made so. Q. If the delivery pipe is choked, how can it be cleaned? A. Close the globe valve next to boiler, and then examine the check valve to see if it is all right. If it is choked or filled with sediment, take out the valve, clean the shell and re-seat the valve; if the check is all right, disconnect the pipe and clean out if necessary. Q. What if this pipe and check valve are all right? A. Let the boiler cool off, then blow off the water, disconnect the pipe between check and boiler, where the difficulty will probably be found, and clean thoroughly. Q. How can check valve and delivery pipe be choked with water that has already passed through the injector or valves of the pump? A. The water may contain quantities of lime which are deposited from the heated water upon the interior of the pipe, which will thus be gradually decreased in size until the hole is too small to answer the purpose. [Pg 42] [Pg 43] [Pg 44] [Pg 45] Q. When the communication between the water gauge and boiler is interrupted, what should be done? A. The glass should be blown out frequently by opening the drip cock at the bottom, then shut the upper valve, allowing the water to blow through the lower valve until the water runs free and clear. Then shut the lower valve and open the upper one and blow through in like manner. Q. In case of low water what should be done? A. Cover the fire quickly with fresh coal or damp ashes, close the lower draft door, and allow the furnace to cool. Never dash water into the furnace to check the fire, it is dangerous. Q. Why not draw or dump the fire? A. Because it would result momentarily in stirring up an intense heat, cooling can be effected more rapidly by covering the fire and checking the draft. Q. Should the pop or safety valve be opened? A. No. Never let more steam out of the boiler in this condition than can be avoided. Q. Should the engine be stopped or the throttle valve be closed? A. No. A sudden stoppage of the outflow of steam will cause the water level to fall. The first thing to be looked after is to subdue the heat which is the source from which trouble may arise. Q. Should the feed water supply be turned on? A. No. Leave it alone. Should the pump or injector be running, the water level will be recovered gradually as the boiler cools down. If the feed is not on, the sudden admittance of water on the overheated surfaces will cause a disaster. The feed should not be turned on until sufficient time has been allowed to avert such danger. Q. Are there any appliances by which to guard against accident from low water? A. Yes. Alarms to call attention by blowing a whistle or ringing a bell when the water is below a certain level. Also fusible or safety plug placed in the heating surface of boiler most liable to be overheated from lack of water. Q. Of what use is the safety valve? A. To prevent the accumulation of pressure above a given point. Q. Should water be left in the boiler when not in use? A. No. It is better to draw out all the water and properly clean the boiler before leaving. Q. What should be done in case a grate bar breaks and drops out of place? A. If no other bar is at hand, it might be repaired with a heavy stick of wood. Q. How can this be done? A. By cutting the stick in such a shape as to fit the space made by the broken bar, then cover with ashes before the fire spreads over it. Q. Will the stick burn out? A. Yes, but it will last for several hours. NICHOLS & SHEPARD TRACTION ENGINE. This engine is also of the Side Crank, Side Gear pattern, the engine is mounted upon the side of the boiler, upon a long heater, which is securely bolted to the boiler by three brackets. It is of the Locomotive Guide pattern, and has a cross-head pump. The cylinder rests its full length upon the heater and is lagged. It has the link reverse gear and plain slide valve, Friction Clutch, Injector, Automatic Sight Feed Lubricator, Governor, Extension Front and Straight Stack. The hand steering wheel is on the opposite side from the band wheel. The boiler is of the round bottom fire box style with double riveted seams, and has a dome in the center, and is mounted upon the wheels in the rear with a wrought iron axle which passes around underneath the boiler and is held in place by brackets attached to the side of the boiler. These brackets contain springs. The traction wheels are of the cast iron rim style, with wrought iron spokes cast in both rim and hub and mud cleats are cast on rim. The foot board is furnished with a water tank and tool box and all necessary fittings and attachments are supplied to make a complete traction engine. Nichols & Shepard Traction Engine. [Pg 46] [Pg 47] [Pg 48] [Pg 49] [Pg 50]