This turned up on my Facebook page, from the Steam Into History site, and I thought it might be of interest here.

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hph ... 4303_n.jpg

That shop looks awfully tight--they can't have much in the way of tools in there.

Wonder what the plans are for when the equipment will need more work? That will eventually have to include shelter for the passenger cars; as we all know, wooden cars can deteriorate quite rapidly just sitting in the weather.

Some photos from "Posts to Page" at Steam into History (Northern Central), taken during maintenance work in the shop at New Freedom, two photos, linked at Facebook and as JPG files for those who have trouble with the site:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 243b8418b4

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 0874_o.jpg

Some M-O-W work, too:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/ ... c6aeb764e8

I am curious although I might be wrong but, aren't all locomotives steam or otherwise required if they weren't built before the 50s required to have ditch lights? Just curious if someone could clear this up for me as I find it to be interesting.

What function does this perform?

Is it connected to a screen or damper inside the stack? Look in different photos and it's in different positions, as far as the "handle" is concerned...

I don't believe ditch lights are required on any steam locomotive.

It is to clean out the cinders caught in the stack. They are thrown centrifugally outward towards the funnel, then drop down allowing the exhaust to pass up and out by a cast whirl in the top of the funnel.

dave

Is there a screen on the top of the stack, or is the screen on the other end of this handle.

When do the cinders exit the locomotive? Do they stay down in the smokebox and need to be cleaned out manually, or what?

From the CFR
§230.86 Required illumination.

(a) General provisions. Each steam locomotive used between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with an operable headlight that provides illumination sufficient for a steam locomotive engineer in the cab to see, in a clear atmosphere, a dark object as large as a man of average size standing at least 800 feet ahead and in front of such headlight. If a steam locomotive is regularly required to run backward for any portion of its trip other than to pick up a detached portion of its train or to make terminal movements, it shall also be equipped on its rear end with an operable headlight that is capable of providing the illumination described in this paragraph (a).

(b) Dimming device. Such headlights shall be provided with a device whereby the light from same may be diminished in yards and at stations or when meeting trains.

(c) Where multiple locomotives utilized. When two or more locomotives are used in the same train, the leading locomotive only will be required to display a headlight.


They stay in the base of the stack until someone removes that cover to clean them out. Considering that this engine burns oil, there aren't many embers to catch.