Steam Locomotive Driver's Manual: The Step By Step Guide To Preparing, Firing And Driving

Description

A fully up-to-date publication, heavily illustrated with both photographs and drawings, detailing the complete procedures needed to handle a steam locomotive, written in a form that will not only prove an essential aid to those training to drive locomotives, but also of general interest both to experienced loco crew and railway enthusiasts who simply want to know the procedures involved.

Author description

Andrew Charman is an experienced journalist and lifelong railway enthusiast with an extensive knowledge of the steam locomotive scene. He is currently taking a training course to qualify as a driver on a heritage steam railway. As well as his own extensive knowledge of the scene, he is calling on the experience of around a dozen former British Railway locomen.

Table of contents

An innovative approach to the subject, explaining each area of a locomotive and its practical operation from the perspective of the railwayman roles - cleaner, fireman and driver. Types of locomotive and how they work - boiler, cylinders, valve gear, brakes. The cleaner - cleaning and lubrication. The fireman - lighting up, fireman's cab controls, adding water, types and shapes of fire, coupling-up, duties on the road, end-of-day duties. The driver - from fireman to driver, dawn duties, driver's cab controls, driving procedure, types of journey, understanding signals, end-of-day duties. Appendices detailing emergencies and faults, a study of different loco footplates, where to find steam today, useful contacts.