Re: Case Boiler Explosion

This is just a note to everyone involved in the current thread about boilers, water glasses, tri-cocks, etc. THANK YOU! This information is exteremly valuable to anyone who even sets foot near an operational steam engine. The general consensus seems to be that an astute engineer who double checks everything himself is one of the best safety appliances on ANY steam engine. I agree wholeheartedly. I recently heard the adage, "Complacency will kill you!". This phrase pretty much hits the nail on the head. If any of you work around someone who does not seem to care enough about his/her life to perform the proper tests and inspections, respectfully suggest that read some of this information or take a hike. Anyone without a thorough understanding of what is going on should either ask someone who knows or seek life elsewhere. I test the tri-cocks and the water glasses regularly while enroute. I have had a fireman tell me "chill out man, I know how to fire!" after I checked the tri-cocks. That may be the case, but, I don't feel that I am doing my job properly unless I keep a watchful eye on everything the fireman is doing. Last time I checked the engineer is SOLELY responsible for the locomotive once its away from the shop. I sure as hell don't want to be on the national news and I'm sure no one else here does.
Be watchful, be careful, play it safe, and STAY ALIVE!