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Mini-Challenge #587 - Transportation

Started 10 months ago | Discussions thread
OP gloaming Veteran Member • Posts: 4,633
Re: Mini-Challenge #587 - Transportation Entry
2

Thanks for fleshing that story out for me.  It saddens me to see such a lovely steamer tilted over like that.  Although, I appreciate the shot of the drivers, frame, brake rigging, and equalizer apparatus (levers and fulcrums that act like a suspension to keep even pressure on the rails).

It isn't a rule so much as it is an ethical and safety concern.  Usually an overturned steamer runs a high risk of boiler explosion for the reasons I stated.  The firebox and flues near the fire are more than red hot, but the boiler's rear actually surrounds the firebox.  It keeps the hot roaring fire from melting the steel.  When the boiler's water level is lowered too much, the roof of the firebox, known as the crown sheet, is exposed solely to the firebox's heat, and it will soften and blow into the firebox from the pressure above it in the boiler.  As soon as the hot water is allowed to escape, it sublimates into steam at normal atmospheric pressure, and it will kill anyone in the cab behind the firebox.  But, if the explosion is really large and catastrophic, it will do more damage and possibly injure people rushing to help.

I'm glad you were able to rescue yourselves and to enjoy the rest of the day, albeit with a bit of a hike thrown in.

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