John,
While I once was subjected to extensive steam plant training and operations (courtesy of the Navy's Nuclear Power Program) I have no practical experience with railroad steam operations or maintenance (although I probably could do a good job on operating or maintaining a steam locomotive if I had the chance... the Navy's training program is (or was...after all this was almost 40 years ago) THAT good!)
So I'll pass and hope someone with a more appropriate background will speak up and comment on this.
Bill Daniels
Santa Rosa, California