Re: oil vs cooking oil to run a loco?

(This would not likely have much effect on firing a steam locomotive as they mostly run in warmer weather. At the tempratures I was talking about they would have to be kept hot anyway, so warming the oil would not be a problem.)

Provided there is house steam or another locomotive with steam for heating the oil prior to fire up. My father hostled a small logging lokie on a Sunday evening and I watched him until I fell asleep. I have always assumed he had house steam or at least hot water connected to the tender's fuel heater piping for preheating the oil. The oil flowed like SAE90, although I'm sure it was whatever was cheap. I'm guessing he also had house air for the burner. It was a long time ago, and I wish my memory was better. I do remember going home at 2 AM. Fortunately there was no school the next day.

dan