Interval before it makes sense to douse a fire

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Hello Tom

My first assignment in the Army in 1969-1970 was with the 714th Trans Bn (Railway Operating).  One of the steam heating plants for Ft. Eustis broke down and since we had several operating steam locomotives (2-6-0) for training purposes, one of them was pressed into service for several weeks while the post heating plant was repaired.  A head of steam was kept up (although definitely low pressure) for several weeks - constant pressure +/- but steady.  Watched closely by the NCOIC the engine did its duty but the pipes were so corroded by the end of the period the engine was stood down and eventually scrapped.  Don't know if that helped but it made us feel pretty warm (NPI) inside!

Ed Svitil
N&WHS #0317
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Sent: Tuesday, June 8, 2021 10:50 AM
To: NW Mailing List <NW-Mailing-List at nwhs.org>
Subject: Interval before it makes sense to douse a fire

Hello folks,

I have a question about the current operations of a steam locomotive like 611. As I suspect we all know, 611 is in Strasburg for the summer and is running on select weekends. How long would a steam locomotive need to sit idle before it makes sense to douse the fire and then re-fire it up later? And I recognize that the answer might be different for different sizes of locomotives.

Thanks!
Tom Fulton
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Asheville, NC
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