Learned tons at Steam School. Amazing experience. Really gives an appreciation for the exhibitors at steam shows.
https://youtu.be/AdJzvXGaD_AP.S. Many thanks to Nick. He is in the video...
Way Cool ... looks um ... Educational to say the least!
Wow! Looks like about the most fun you can have with your clothes on!
I am scared to go to steam school because it would tempt me to buy one of these beasts!
Running them is a bit intimidating, the teachers tell you to be confident. For the single cylinder traction engines are a bit tricky. The throttle is extremely sticky and sloppy and touchy and you have to make sure your quadrant is in the right spot in order for it to start up. On the Minneapolis traction engine that I was on, the flywheel spun in the opposite direction of the Traction wheels, so forward was reverse and reverse was forward. It felt like moving a manual transmission car from standstill while in fourth gear with the clutch not working.
A compound Avery undertype TE was a dream to drive. Super easy, just point and go.
Now that looks like you had a fun weekend!
Man ... I'd go for that in a heartbeat if they offered one anywhere near me!
Traction engines would be excellent, but a locomotive would be even better .... In My Dreams!!!
Awesome time, thanks for the picture and video!
Chris forgot to mention the best part, only $75 for two days, meals and camping included
Running them is a bit intimidating, the teachers tell you to be confident. For the single cylinder traction engines are a bit tricky. The throttle is extremely sticky and sloppy and touchy and you have to make sure your quadrant is in the right spot in order for it to start up. On the Minneapolis traction engine that I was on, the flywheel spun in the opposite direction of the Traction wheels, so forward was reverse and reverse was forward. It felt like moving a manual transmission car from standstill while in fourth gear with the clutch not working.
A compound Avery undertype TE was a dream to drive. Super easy, just point and go.
Yes, I never knew how important those quadrants were! Very confusing for me running the Nichols & Shepard as forward and reverse are opposite to what I'm used to running with the Case.
Here's that Avery in the dark a couple years ago
https://youtu.be/4PKKrUVmKQI
Way Cool ... looks um ... Educational to say the least!
Nothing like climbing on and running an engine after only one day of information packed class time!
I even managed to get a 114 out of 125 on my test 91%
Are the Case controls like the Minneapolis?
If anyone wants to drive a locomotive, I think the Avery under-type compound engine must be very similar. The instructor of the Avery told me they had locomotive controls. No quadrants to worry about. I snuck on one while it's students were taking the test.
Are the Case controls like the Minneapolis?
Not sure, but on the Case backwards makes you go forward and forward makes you go backward. On the Nichols & Shepard, it moves the same way you point the lever
Glad you boys had fun at school. It looks like an unforgettable experience.
That looks like a lot of fun!
I'm lucky that i've had quite a bit of full size experience albeit stationary steam, although i have had a go on a steam roller and narrow gauge loco.
Nice that you have a place to be able to do this in the US.