> I generally allow the engine to go forward, then reverse and then
> forward again to clear the condensate from the cylinders. The
> condensate tends to exit underneath the smokebox. I do this under
> steam.
> Is this consistent with your approach?
On mine, the condensate often spurts out the stack for several
cycles, which may fall back down the stack or spray all over the
engine and the spectators, depending on which will cause the most
havoc. Yet another reason not to run these things on the living
room rug.
Some people let it all hang out, others put a rag or wiping cloth
over the stack, a couple have diverters which fit over the stack and
collect the condensate. On the Roundhouse, just holding
something like a rag over the stack keeps the water in the stack
and allows it to fall back onto the track.
Regardless, your technique is basically the same as everyone
elses: run the engine (back and forth or not), possibly by hand,
until the condensate clears and the cylinders move smoothly.
regards,
-vance-
Vance Bass
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Small-scale live steam resources: http://www.nmia.com/~vrbass
