Castle Class (Double Chimney)

[dani.m24]

I need help, because when I'm driving it I can't open the blower. Can someone help me?

[Chicken Balti]

It is a fault within TS2016, only the fireman has control of the Blower. On a real steam engine the Blower is kept at least cracked open by the driver 'all the time' (it appears that is not understood by DTG) it is the 'only' control that keeps the fire in the firebox and not also in the cab, independently of other controls and their settings including engine moving/working or not. To turn off the blower in real life 'can' and 'has' caused many injurys, including drivers and fireman suspended by Inspectors/Instructors (including my role as an Instructor). The only time you turn off the blower is when 'Disposal' of the engine and fire is finished at the end of the day, it is the last thing you do before leaving the 'Footplate'.

[dani.m24]

Thank you

[Scouser888]

Chicken Balti: A very interesting answer, thank you.

[GeneralGeldenhuys]

When I start with a new scenario with a steam locomotive, I noticed the blower is set at 20%. Sometimes I put it at 10% when standing at a station and my pressure is high, but yes, the blower must never ever be completely closed. If it is closed, the fire can build up gas in the firebox and thus make lots of smoke and choking the fire.

Sometimes it did happen when there is too much smoke trapped in the firebox, a sudden draft of fresh air can cause an explosion in the firebox and hurt the driver and fireman if the firebox doors is open.

You also notice there is a footplate. I presume the footplate is to control how much air can rush over the fire and through the fire from the bottom.

[Chicken Balti]

Originally posted by GeneralGeldenhuys:

When I start with a new scenario with a steam locomotive, I noticed the blower is set at 20%. Sometimes I put it at 10% when standing at a station and my pressure is high, but yes, the blower must never ever be completely closed. If it is closed, the fire can build up gas in the firebox and thus make lots of smoke and choking the fire.

Sometimes it did happen when there is too much smoke trapped in the firebox, a sudden draft of fresh air can cause an explosion in the firebox and hurt the driver and fireman if the firebox doors is open.

You also notice there is a footplate. I presume the footplate is to control how much air can rush over the fire and through the fire from the bottom.

Hello again, the TS2016 Manual regarding steam controls/descriptions/operation etc requires a total re-write, I found this under the Blower Information....''Increase or reduce the Blower. The Blower is a fan that increases air flow through the fire, making it hotter. It is powered by steam from the boiler. While running, the blower is not often needed because the exhaust steam draws air through the fire as well.'' Sorry DTG, but that is not correct or even close to the Blower operation/description.
First of all, it is not a fan at all (not sure how they came to that idea) it is a 'ring' of pipework containing very small holes on it's upper surface and mounted just above and around the top of the 'Blast Pipe' inside the 'Smokebox' of a steam engine. It is fed with boiler pressure 'Live Steam' and regulated by the driver (or fireman) turning the 'Blower Valve' on or off on the 'Footplate'. Turning the blower on creates a 'Partial Vacuum' in the smokebox which draws the fire/gasses/smoke from the firebox through the 'Boiler Tubes' towards the smokebox and then up through the funnel.
That is the 'main' and most important reason why blowers are fitted, in other words, keep the fire in the firebox and not in the cab as well. You never 'ever' turn it off, those that have in the past, most certainly regretted doing so whilst being treated for major burns in hospital. Some have died from those burns.
However, despite it's most important pupose, it can also be used to regulate the amount of 'Draught' through the firebox via 'Primary Air' through the underside of the firebox bars through the 'Dampers' each end of the 'Ash Pan' and 'Secondary Air' via the firebox doors or flap if fitted. Regulating the blower gives the fireman some control over how hot/bright the fire burns hence it's nickname 'The Firemans Friend'.
The 'Footplate' is the area of seperate steel sheets that makes up the cab floor and tender floor, one slides and moves over the top of the other when in motion to enable independant movement over pointwork etc. Nothing to do with air to the fire as such but the damper controls and other fittings do pass through the footplate. Hope that helps.

[OldAlaskaGuy]

I have seen rings fitted with compressed air nozzels put into the top of the stack during firing of steam locomotives to increase the draught through the firebox.

[Chicken Balti]

Originally posted by rwaday:

I have seen rings fitted with compressed air nozzels put into the top of the stack during firing of steam locomotives to increase the draught through the firebox.

Yes, that is done in some countries when 'Lighting Up' (mostly in the preservation world rather than normal practice many years ago) to help draw the fire when the blower has no steam to work at first, also used on live steam models as well.

[GeneralGeldenhuys]

Originally posted by Chicken Balti:

The 'Footplate' is the area of seperate steel sheets that makes up the cab floor and tender floor, one slides and moves over the top of the other when in motion to enable independant movement over pointwork etc. Nothing to do with air to the fire as such but the damper controls and other fittings do pass through the footplate. Hope that helps.

I think I got my terminology wrong here. I think it was a firebox plate or something. If you drive with the castle again, you will notice there is a plate you can lift when the firebox doors are open. I know sometimes the air has to be taken through the firebox doors and hence they don't close it completely. Is this plate thingy placed there to act as some air regulator to maintain draught from below the fire grate and above?

I know this is there to prevent the locomotive from making too much smoke, because a person doesn't want the flue tubes to get clogged.

[Chicken Balti]

Hello GeneralGeldenhuys, you are referring to the lift up flap which is there on ex GWR larger engines as an aid to the fireman when the engine is working hard. It is attached with a chain on the side and allows the fireman to feed the fire quickly with coal without too much cold 'Secondary Air' entering the firebox and cooling the lower 'Tube Plate' behind the 'Brick Arch' which can cause stress in both. It can be used three ways.

1, The driver can hold the chain and open and close the flap for the fireman whilst he shovels.
2, The fireman can use the chain (or his shovel) to open and close it himself when feeding the fire.
3, The fireman can drip feed coal over the top of the closed flap when the fire is burning very well and producing max steam for the driver.
We call that a (Dancing Fire) when the fire reaches around 2750c white hot and starts jumping up and down on the 'Grate' gently in time to the Exhaust beats. That ideal type of fire when working hard requires 'little and often' drip feeding of coal because the ash produced is falling through the 'Fire Bars' into the 'Ash Pan' that makes up the grate and the fire is burning rapidly.

The fireman regulates smoke production by allowing the correct amount of 'Secondary Air' through the firebox doors being a little apart or fully open when standing. Most of the smoke will then ignite and burn producing extra energy instead of exiting the engine wasted. The fireman will close the firebox doors fully when all the 'Hydro-Carbons' gasses (smoke) have been released and burnt from the remaining very hot fire-bed.
Flue tubes getting blocked is caused by many things but less likely with an engine working hard, the very strong blast produced keeps them clear. Poor coal, bad fireman, lack of regular 'Tube Sweeping' and the engine not working very hard are much more common reasons for blocked tubes. Hope that is helpful.

[Scouser888]

All I can say is that posts by Chicken Balti are engrossing and fascinating. He/she appears to be very knowledgeable.In other words, when Chicken Balti speaks, I listen, and so should we all.

[Chicken Balti]

Thanks for your kind words Scouser888 (I am a 'He' by the way!)
I like to pass on Steam or Rail knowledge if I can and driving/firing/instructing on real world steam is something, even I, still learn from each time out on the footplate, you never stop gaining and adding to that knowledge. I started my BR 'Traction Training' in 1974, a while ago now, but that does enable me to help out if people require a little guidance. Best Wishes.

[Cat]

Originally posted by Scouser888:

All I can say is that posts by Chicken Balti are engrossing and fascinating. He/she appears to be very knowledgeable.In other words, when Chicken Balti speaks, I listen, and so should we all.

I'll second that.