Re: Differences Between Coal-Burning Steamers and Oil-Burning Steamers

Just to add some cannon fodder, many of the coal burning UP 4000’s and some of the 3900’s had a sprayer plumbed to one of the cistern top rear corners to be used during hard usage of the locomotive due to fires on the tops of of the head end cars in their trains. More due wood running boards rather than car roof tops of “Murphy Roofing”

Also, on many oil burners, flip over stack covers, damper covers were provided to be used to prevent cold ai drafts from damaging sheets and tubes. Maybe DSNG has these items in place already. But if not, a good way to get less problems over the long run due to expansion and contraction. Again, maybe I just hadn’t noticed.

While always a discussion of: to use, or not to use a brick arch, there is still a quantity of fire brick along the lower sides and ends if the fire box. Fireman have gotten burned or minor explosions can occur within the box trying to re-light a fire from the hot bricks. Was on a fan trip one time where a fireman tried to re-light a fire with the atomizer still on. He was burned quite badly on the lower legs and had to be transported to a hospital be one of the train chasers.

I may have missed it but does DSNG plan to convert all steam power to oil? Or are a few engines to be left coal burners to protect against an oil shortage or high purchase cost?
Chris