Re: C&TS converting #489 to oil this winter

Joe Weigman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> How do firebricks benefit or improve the overall
> performance of an oil-fired locomotive? In the
> world of 7 and 1/2 in. gauge live steam from what
> I understand it's commonly agreed upon that
> propane-fired is the way to go and that it works
> the best converted from coal-fired locomotives by
> just installing a burner in the firebox and
> setting up some extra plumbing, besides setting up
> a car to carry the propane tank. Do firebricks
> just coverup the firebox grates? Do you have to
> apply them on the walls of the firebox like some
> sort of pottery Kelm? I know a guy here in Durango
> who has a 7 1/2" gauge, 2 1/2" scale shay that
> used to burn coal that he converted to propane,
> and I don't believe I've ever heard him bring up
> the term firebricks whenever he'd talk about the
> overall conversion or the burners he installed
> built by Tom Artzberger.

I have an old live steam guide on my shelf, and it recommends putting firebrick into the firebox of miniature locomotives burning oil. I believe even in small scales, the fire concentrates heat and is hard on the firebox, and the oil combusts better at a higher temperature. Propane, maybe you get away with a lower flame temperature.