Garden live steam - coal fired engine

The boiler on a coal-fired loco is more like a full size one in that it will have a firebox at the rear and
multiple flue tubes passing through the water to carry heat from the fire to the smoke box. The
heat passing down the flue tubes is what boils the water, just as in the gas fired boiler described
earlier. Airflow has to be induced in these small models, to keep the fire going.
Because of the way the boiler is constructed, the level of the water inside has to be maintained
within certain limits and a water gauge is fitted to the boiler to monitor it. Topping up is done by
water pumps that can be either hand operated or driven by one of the loco's axle's though most
models will have both types fitted. The hand pump is used when the engine is stationary and the
axle pump operates while the engine is moving.
The fire must be checked at intervals and fresh coal added as required.

The running of a coal fired loco requires far more inter-action between driver and machine and can
be extremely rewarding.

More Technical Information
This is a page of a few extra facts, figures and technical
information that you may find of help if you are using
Roundhouse parts in your home builder projects or just of
general interest.