Re: Diseasel Oil vs Cooking Oil to run a loco?

Well Blow Me Down!

Yes I have used WVO straight and cut with #2 Red. I prefer the blend. BTU rating is not so much less that it will affect the ability to make steam.

I would pre-heat and if the loco is not to be used for awhle, I would drain the tank as residue from the WVO will stick to every thing and soon plug up hoses, filters etc.

Lighting off is just the same, perhaps a bit more atomizer.

The key to not having problems is to filter filter filter! I use a filter that begins at 100 mesh, then 25 micron and finally at .5 micron. I use a tank heater set at 120 degrees to cycle the oil through the filters using a cast iron water pump.

If your loco is hard firing or does not have enough heating surface,like our FrankenPorter, you may find your tubes sooting up a bit.

The exhaust and smells are pleasant and remind me of kung pao kitty right off the roach coach at the corner of Maple & McKinley!

What I am looking at for information is the use of Natural Gas as a fuel for our locomotives. More details later as to why but does anyone have some info out there? I am familiar with the SF Zoo train set up.

Jeff