Driving a steam locomotive takes years of practice and training. Those who have sat in the driver's seat on the locomotive exhibited in a museum and dream of driving one, here's what they have to do. Sometimes there are some very fun simulators available that can give you all the sensations of a real railway. Grab the whistle cord and read on to learn how to start, drive and stop the locomotive.
Steps
Step 1. Push the gear lever forward
Grab the large lever that rises from the floor and is in front of or behind your station. Squeeze the release knob and push the bar all the way forward. Finally release the knob to lock the lever in place.
Step 2. Open the cylinder valve
In front of you you should see a medium sized valve just above the boiler; alternatively there may be a thin lever on the floor in front of the driver's seat. Turn the valve fully clockwise or pull the lever backwards.
Step 3. Turn on the front lights
On the ceiling of the control room there is a large, flat, semicircular box. It may also be on a side wall. Slide the knob along the round side of the box as far as possible.
Step 4. Give the whistle to signal that you are ready to go
In the cabin, above your head or in front of you near the boiler, there should be a cable or handle that operates the whistle. Pull the cable down (or turn the knob) twice to emit two short whistles.
Step 5. Release the brakes
Near your left hand are two horizontal levers, usually made of brass. The upper one must be moved from right to left to release the locomotive brakes.
Step 6. Act on the regulator to “give steam” and make the locomotive move
This is a very long lever located in front of the driver's seat. Grab it firmly and pull it towards you. When you feel the locomotive move slightly, return the lever almost to the starting position so as not to reach excessive speed. As you approach cruising speed, give it steam. Check the exhaust of the cylindrical valves and close them when you see steam coming out. Slowly bring the gear lever back up, but never completely vertically. This acts as the car's gear lever and grants a lower amount of steam for each time of the cylinders. By doing so, you increase the efficiency of the steam and you will not have to wear out the poor guy who shovels the coal in the furnace (as well as saving water and fuel). If the locomotive's wheels slip, close the throttle almost completely immediately. Letting the wheels lose traction has no traction purpose and could cause damage to the locomotive in the long run (also wear out the furnace holes or, in an oil-fired locomotive, could cause explosions). Sound the steam whistle and the bell at all intersections and never exceed the speed limits - it would be very dangerous.
Advice
- Go to a railway museum to try out a simulator. You will not go anywhere but you will be able to live the experience of pushing the levers, feeling the vibrations and sounds of a real steam locomotive.
- In the US you can have this live experience on the Nevada Northern Railway. You will actually be able to drive a steam locomotive for several hours on a standard gauge railway.
- In England and other states where a policy of preserving historical railway memorabilia is implemented, courses are organized to learn how to drive a real steam locomotive. But be aware that these are very expensive courses - even if they are really fun.
- The ones provided in this article are just basic instructions. With just this training you won't be able to drive a steam locomotive without damaging it. Search online to find a museum or cultural association that will allow you to experience a real steam locomotive under the supervision of a specialist.
