LOCOMOTIVE TROUBLES AND REMEDIES
OPERATING PROBLEMS Distinctive Features of Locomotive. A new locomotive is very much like any other new piece of machinery, in that, if care has been used in its construction by experienced mechanics, it should operate in a satisfactory manner when properly handled. In a few respects it differs very materially from other steam power plants. First, when it is in operation it is not stationary but moves from place to place on a suitably constructed track. This feature alone requires a form of construction peculiar to its kind. As a result we find that the different movable parts involved are far greater in number than in other power plants of equal power and are included in much less space. Second, because of the large number of parts the chances for wear are much greater than in ordinary power plants, and on this account it is not to be expected that a locomotive will operate as quietly after it has been in service for some time as it otherwise would. Then again it must be borne in mind that it is impossible to obtain perfect track conditions, and for this reason the various parts cannot be safely "set up" as snugly as would be possible under ideal conditions.
There are so many points which naturally should come under Troubles and Remedies that it will be possible to mention only a few of the more important.
Table of Contents; Page 168; Page 170; Index
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