Re: The art of runby smoke
| March 29, 2010 04:58PM |
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Steve Singer Wrote:
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> The smoke looks dramatic, but how realistic is it?
Not realistic at all.
On the SP, AT&SF, UP, WP, etc. where they used oil burners black smoke was usually followed by a few choice words to the Fireman, or to the Engineer for not communicating to the Fireman he was closing the throttle.
It was a bit more common on coal burners as you can't take fuel out of the firebox so whenever the throttle was closed (draft through firebox reduced) some smoke would usually come out the stack. But then that also depended on the quality of the coal. The Pennsy used to advertise they burnt only high quality anthracite coal so ladies could wear their best white dress to the train station without fear.
But a working engine with a good fire will have an almost clear stack.
However, like you said, the smoke billowing out sure does make for a dramatic image. Which is why it's so prevalent in the minds of most people thinking that's how it's supposed to be.
Cheers,
Curtis F.
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> The smoke looks dramatic, but how realistic is it?
Not realistic at all.
On the SP, AT&SF, UP, WP, etc. where they used oil burners black smoke was usually followed by a few choice words to the Fireman, or to the Engineer for not communicating to the Fireman he was closing the throttle.
It was a bit more common on coal burners as you can't take fuel out of the firebox so whenever the throttle was closed (draft through firebox reduced) some smoke would usually come out the stack. But then that also depended on the quality of the coal. The Pennsy used to advertise they burnt only high quality anthracite coal so ladies could wear their best white dress to the train station without fear.
But a working engine with a good fire will have an almost clear stack.
However, like you said, the smoke billowing out sure does make for a dramatic image. Which is why it's so prevalent in the minds of most people thinking that's how it's supposed to be.
Cheers,
Curtis F.
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488 stops for water at Los Pinos tank on closing day Oct. 1979. Photo courtesy Don Richter
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