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?

.