116.  Q. If steam heat gauge showed the required pressure and cars were not being heated properly, how would you proceed to locate the trouble?

A. First note where the hand on the steam heat gauge stands when steam is shut off; if it does not drop back to zero see how much it lacks of this and note the rise of pressure shown by the gauge when steam is turned on.  This is to test the gauge.  If gauge is not correct, pay no attention to it, but send back steam enough to heat the train.  Over sixty pounds will usually make the hose couplings on the cars rise up and leak at the joints.

117.  Q. When engine is detached from the train, what precaution should you take to prevent freezing of the steam heat train pipe?  What to prevent damage of steam heat hose?

A. Open steam throttle to allow a very little steam to pass into steam heat train pipe to prevent its freezing.  If end of hose is liable to strike frogs or crossings, hang it up where it will be safe.

118.  Q. What constitutes abuse of an engine?

A. Improper use of injector by filling boiler at a rapid rate when drifting or standing in a siding, unless you have a heavy bright fire to heat the injected water to the boiler temperature as fast as it comes into the boiler.  Excessive use of the blower, especially with a light fire or when cleaning the fire.  Improper attention to machinery, such as keeping parts not properly lubricated, rods not properly keyed, wedges not adjusted, carrying too much or too little water in the boiler, working water through the cylinders, allowing engine to slip unnecessarily, use of sand on one rail only or otherwise improperly; being careless in any way where care is required and not properly reporting the necessary work so it can be done promptly.

119.  Q. How are accidents and breakdown best prevented?

A. By inspection both at and after leaving terminals, frequently while on the road, keeping all parts properly adjusted, water in the boiler at the proper level and using good judgment in the handling of the engine and train.  It is much better to use care and prevent accidents than to make repairs after they occur.

120.  Q. What are the duties of an engineman when leaving his engine at the terminal?

A. Place her on the proper track to be turned over to the hostler, leave throttle closed securely, reverse lever in center notch, cylinder cocks open, and lubricator feeds to steam chest and cylinders closed.  The boiler should be full of water and sufficient fire to maintain steam pressure until fire is knocked out.  Call fireman’s attention to anything of special importance.  Inspect the engine very thoroughly, ascertain whether any tools or signals have been lost on the trip and make a full report of the condition of the entire locomotive.

121.  Q. What is the most important bolt or nut on the locomotive?

A. The loose one.  It should be cared for immediately.