A. First note where the hand on the steam heat gauge stands when steam
is shut off; if it does not drop back to zero see how much it lacks of
this and note the rise of pressure shown by the gauge when steam is
turned on. This is to test the gauge. If gauge is not correct, pay no
attention to it, but send back steam enough to heat the train. Over
sixty pounds will usually make the hose couplings on the cars rise up
and leak at the joints.

117. Q. When engine is detached from the train, what precaution should
you take to prevent freezing of the steam heat train pipe? What to
prevent damage of steam heat hose?

A. Open steam throttle to allow a very little steam to pass into steam
heat train pipe to prevent its freezing. If end of hose is liable to
strike frogs or crossings, hang it up where it will be safe.

118. Q. What constitutes abuse of an engine?

A. Improper use of injector by filling boiler at a rapid rate when
drifting or standing in a siding, unless you have a heavy bright fire to
heat the injected water to the boiler temperature as fast as it comes
into the boiler. Excessive use of the blower, especially with a light
fire or when cleaning the fire. Improper attention to machinery, such as
keeping parts not properly lubricated, rods not properly keyed, wedges
not adjusted, carrying too much or too little water in the boiler,
working water through the cylinders, allowing engine to slip
unnecessarily, use of sand on one rail only or otherwise improperly;
being careless in any way where care is required and not properly
reporting the necessary work so it can be done promptly.