you when running as a stationary; then we gave you the pointers-to be
observed when running as a traction or road engine. We have also given
you hints on economy, and if you do not already know too much to follow
our advice, you can go into the field with an engine and have no fears
as to the results.



How about bad bridges?

Well, a bad bridge is a bad thing, and you cannot be too careful. When
you have questionable bridges to cross over, you should provide yourself
with good hard-wood planks. If you can have them sawed to order have
them 3 inches in the center and tapering to 2 inches at the ends. You
should have two of these about 16 feet long, and two 2x12 planks about 8
feet long. The short ones for culverts, and for helping with the longer
ones in crossing longer bridges.

An engine should never be allowed to drop from a set of planks down onto
the floor of bridge. This is why I advocate four planks. Don't
hesitate to use the plank. You had better plank a dozen bridges that
don't need it than to attempt to cross one that does need it. You will
also find it very convenient to carry at least 50 feet of good heavy
rope. Don't attempt to pull across a doubtful bridge with the separator
or tank hooked directly to the engine. It is dangerous. Here is where
you want the rope. An engine should be run across a bad bridge very
slowly and carefully, and not allowed to jerk. In extreme cases it is
better to run across by hand; don't do this but once; get after the road
supervisors.