Large Scale Central

Actual steam

In watching actual steam engines running, I see steam coming out of the top back by the cab and at times down by the tracks at the front of the engine. What exactly is going on? Is it just clearing the lines? Excess pressure?

Mickey Kelley said:

In watching actual steam engines running, I see steam coming out of the top back by the cab and at times down by the tracks at the front of the engine. What exactly is going on? Is it just clearing the lines? Excess pressure?

Steam was like the electricity in your car, it ran the generator, pumps and other appliances. The steam coming from the cylinders was usually from the cylinder cocks, which opened to let condensed water out of the cylinder because water does not compress, the cylinder heads could be blown off with a piston stroke.

I hope this helps.

I refer you to this video I posted a while back explaining a steam engine and it’s controls. I believe it answers a lot of your questions…

Very interesting. Thank you.

Very educational video, Joe. Thanks for sharing.