Driving & firing a steam locomotive - what happens on the run 

I volunteer on the Bluebell too. I can imagine how tiring a 12hr shift can be! Something I don't realise how much work goes on behind the scenes

I bet you never had trouble falling asleep at night. What kind of work did you do as a Cleaner, if I may ask?

never expected to see you here :P

Coal fired steamship Titanic

Some firemen do, but it's not always warranted. Generally not an issue on most engines but some prefer it fow a wide box. It's very much a personal preference.

They warn of the possibility of overhead electrical wires (above the track) - this is likely a requirement to be displayed on locos that may run on the national network, where overhead lines (or third rail) are common for powering electric trains.

Yes I'm sure a class 2 on a short freight at a 25mph speed limit on a pres line is highly comparable to whatever it is you claim to have done. Think you could do better? Why not volunteer then like these fine chaps.

I can safely say that rounds of 6 is a bad idea with this locomotive considering the load and size of the grate. Very easy to choke the fire and / or cause a very excessive amount of black smoke which helps no one. Jack seems to be doing a very good job and is firing 'little and often' and placing the coal where it is required. Granted a few shots makes it look like he's only done 1 shovel but that's editing rather than what actually happened. Regarding the injectors, on a line as steep as 1 in 60, you would be doing well to manage to successfully alternate between firing and using the injectors without having to stop. Let's not forget that a number of locomotives e.g. Cheltenham and Lord Nelson have exhaust injectors fitted with the idea being that they can be left on. On long climbs like you find at the railway you could find your water level dangerously low pretty quickly if you kept starting and stopping the injectors in between firing. Another example would be the 7f, in practice you need an injector on continuously when climbing the hill to account for the water being used, and that was designed for even steeper and longer hills than we have! All in all Jack is doing an excellent job which is why I chose this particular run to publish. His boiler control is good, periodic firing little and often rather than bailing more than is required i.e. 2-3 per round instead of 6, and will make an excellent fireman.

@@marcusmcdonald8401 That fireman is doing an awesome job However he is firing with muscle and not with brain If he fires with brain he can enjoy the train ride more and not be so exhausted at the end of his shift