45.  Q. How are metallic packing rings on piston rods and valve stems held in place?  What provisions are made for the uneven movements of the rod?

A. The packing rings fit into a vibrating cup or cone located inside the gland, being held therein by means of a spring as well as by the steam pressure.  Provision is made for uneven movement of the rod by making the inside of the gland larger than the vibrating cup and using a ball-joint ring between the vibrating cup and gland.

46.  Q. While running under steam and there is a failure of part of the locomotive which does not seem to prevent running at full speed, how would you proceed?

A. Keep the locomotive running if in your judgment it is safe.  Try to ascertain what the injury is and be prepared at the next stop to do such work as the case demands, being careful to make the stop at such a place that the work can be done without interfering with the movements of main line trains.

47.  Q. If one side of a locomotive is disabled, what would you do in a general way to make it possible to use steam on the other side?

A. Disconnect enough parts to allow for the turning of the wheels and for reversing of the opposite side without moving the valve on the disabled side.

48.  Q. In case a locomotive in your care became disabled on the road, what would you do?

A. First see that the train is protected.  Next examine the locomotive and see what is necessary to do to move it and if possible the train.  If unable to make repairs at once to bring the engine and train forward, would advise exact condition of engine and ask for help.  In the meantime endeavor to move the train so as to give other trains the use of the main line.

49.  Q. Suppose a wash-out plug blew out or a blow-off cock broke off or would not close, what should be done?

A. Kill the fire, get the train on a side track, if possible, and if unable to make repairs get the engine in condition to be towed in.  In all cases with a disabled engine allow the train to drift to a siding, when possible, and stop between the switches so as to allow other trains to pass through siding.

50.  Q. Can a locomotive boiler without steam pressure be filled by being towed by another engine?  If towed, how filled?

A. Yes.  Close all openings where air could enter the boiler.  All relief valves, cylinder cocks, gauge cocks, the whistle valve and air pump steam valve should be closed.  Place the reverse lever in full gear in the direction the engine is to be towed with water supply valve and injector throttle open.  Use engine oil through auxiliary oil cups to oil valves and pistons.  The movement of the pistons in the cylinders will pump the air out of the boiler and atmospheric pressure on water in the tank will force water into boiler when the engine is towed.

51.  Q. What should be done if grates should be burned out or broken while on the road?