Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

It takes many years of practice and study to operate a locomotive. This guide is intended for those who are interested in how steam locomotives are operated. These skills can be tested on a steam locomotive simulator. The manual describes how to get started, stay on the rails and stop.

Steps

1. 1 Pull the reverser forward - grab the huge lever sticking out of the floor, squeeze the handle, push the lever forward and let the handle return to its original position.
2. 2 Open the cylinder vent valve - find a medium-sized faucet in front of you, on the boiler, or a thin lever on the floor in front of you. Turn the tap clockwise or pull the lever towards you.
3. 3 Turn on the headlights - there should be a large flat semicircular box above you, on the ceiling, or on the wall of the cab. Click on the button on the round side of the box.
4. 4 Blow the whistle, signaling the imminent departure - there should be a wire or a whistle handle on top or in front of you. Pull down on the cable or handle twice for two short beeps.
5. 5 Release the brakes - the two horizontal brass levers should be near your left hand. The top must be turned from right to left to release the brakes.
6. 6 Give the throttle to start moving - the very long lever in front of your face is the throttle. Grasp it firmly and pull it towards you. As soon as the locomotive starts to move, return the lever back so as not to accelerate too fast. Add gas gradually. Watch the cylinder exhaust and close it when only steam is coming out. Move the reverse gear slowly to a vertical position, but do not bring it up. It works like a gearbox and allows less steam per cylinder stroke. This allows more efficient use of steam and does not overexert the melter. If the wheels of the locomotive begin to slip, turn off the throttle completely. Sliding wheels do not generate traction. This only damages the locomotive and can lead to serious malfunctions. Use the horn and bell at all intersections and never exceed your speed limit. It is very dangerous.

Tips

• The simulator can be found in the railway museum. You will not go anywhere, but you can feel the sounds of levers and vibrations.

• There are preserved steam railways (eg in the United Kingdom) where you can learn how to operate a steam locomotive. This, however, can be quite expensive. But it's a lot of fun, because everything is real there.
• This is a very simplified guide. Using it, you will not be able to control the steam locomotive without damaging it. Some railway museums also allow supervised locomotive driving.

Warnings

• Operating a steam locomotive without the required qualifications can result in serious injury, death and legal proceedings. It is illegal to operate a steam locomotive without permission. This manual should be used for driving simulators or imagining.