“In a first-class stationary plant one pound of coal will produce nearly one horse-power for one hour, but in a modern superheater locomotive it will only produce one horse-power for twenty to twenty-five minutes (says Professor Goss). One pound of coal used in a goods locomotive will provide enough energy to carry one ton fifteen or sixteen miles, and in a modern train it will be fed to the boiler every 52ft. of distance travelled; in other words, if coal were fed to the boiler continuously it would take a rod of coal ⅜ in, square constantly fed into the firebox.”

Early Fairlie N.Z. Locomotive.

From the exhaustive tests of Professor Goss the actual distribution of fuel consumed on the average locomotive on a division where no interest is being taken in fuel economy may be stated as follows:—

Now let us examine each item and study where the enormous loss of 55% can be reduced.

(1) Stand-by Losses 20%

This loss would be considerably reduced by the co-operation of the shed, engine, and traffic staff. The shed staff should carefully examine each engine as it arrives and promptly report any driver who has not a low fire on completion of trip. The traffic staff should not order an engine until prepared to make use of it, and by arranging crossings (single line working), that will obviate trains being kept standing in station yards and sidings for an unnecessary length of time. It is absurd to talk fuel economy to a fireman when the shedmen and foreman let them bring in engines from a trip with a ton or more unburned coal in the firebox (practically all of which is wasted in the ashpit when the fire is cleaned), and in other ways permit fuel to be wasted.

I calculate that on the South African railways there is enough coal wasted through the safety valves and ashpans and around sheds to run a division.

(2) Vapourising Moisture—A loss of 5%.

This is a loss practically beyond the control of the engine crew, but study of this point under Theory of Combustion will help.

(3) Wasted on the Ground and Stolen—A Loss of 1%.

The loss sustained under this head is due chiefly to bad loading of the tender and carelessness on the part of the fireman, resulting in coal rolling off on to the road. Strict supervision by the drivers would have the necessary effect in this direction.

(4) Losses Due to Unconsumed Gases Escaping Through the Smoke Stack, 10%.

I trust what I have already said under the Theory of Combustion will help the firemen in realising that a pronounced saving could easily be brought about by them. But on the accepted principle that theory is only the servant of practice I would urge upon the drivers their duty to carefully watch the firemen and coach them in the fine art of firing. Many of the older drivers are too apt to forget the period of their own apprenticeship—that they themselves probably were taught much that they know to-day by the kindly help of the drivers with whom they served in days gone by.

(5) Losses Due to Unconsumed Fuel in Cinders and Sparks, 10%.

Much of this loss can be reduced by intelligent firing. (This item was dealt with under the Theory of Combustion.)

(6) Losses Due to Unconsumed Fuel in Ashes, 3%.

Here is something to think about. Absolute waste through the finger bars and ashpans. How we should squeal if we were paying for the coal ourselves. Shedmen and foremen can put a stop to this around the shed, and so can the drivers along the road. The firemen can easily save the whole of this loss by exercising care in cleaning and dropping fires.

No green coal should ever go into the ashpan.

(To be continued.)