Using a back-to-back gauge for your model railway ensures that the wheels on your rolling stock are spaced correctly...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
How do I use a back to back gauge?Read more -
What is a poly-cap?Read moreA poly-cap is a type of plastic cap often used in model-making kits, especially for assembling figurines or model...
-
What is Graham Farish?Read moreGraham Farish is a name you’re likely to come across if you're interested in British model railways, especially in...
-
When did semaphore signals stop being used in the UK?Read moreSemaphore signals, those distinctive mechanical arms that once graced railway lines across the UK, were largely...
-
What is Kato track?Read moreKato track is a popular choice in the world of model railways, known for its quality, ease of use and versatility. If...
What is the dome for on a steam locomotive?
Most of you will be aware of the basic principles behind the workings of a steam locomotive, fire heats water, water turns to steam, steam moves pistons. But if any water was to find its way through to the pistons, significant damage could be encountered, and that's where the dome comes in.
The presence of water in the piston chambers of a steam locomotive is not desirable at all. Not only can it cause essential lubricants to be washed away, but also, water can't be compressed and will result in immense pressure build-up that can potentially fracture valves and pistons.
The solution to the problem is to locate the steam collector pipe (the primary pipe that takes steam from the boiler) as high up as possible in the boiler. This location will stop excess water (resulting from overfilling) and froth (caused by water impurities) from entering the system and finding their way to the pistons. The mouth of the steam collection pipe (and a regulator to control the flow of steam) is what is housed in the dome on top of a steam locomotive.
Not all locomotives have or require a dome. Locomotives with squarer Belpaire fireboxes, such as the Castle Class, use the same principles for steam separation, but the taller structure allows for this to happen internally, voiding the locomotives of any visible components. In contrast, some locomotives such as the C2X exhibited two domes, one regular dome and one used as a top-feed.
Posted in: Model Railway
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Transitional British Railways Terrier Class...
Price: £ 109.99Transitional British Railways Terrier Class 'Carisbrooke' W13 - Era 4 When...
Terrier Tank locomotive 0-6-0T 32670 in BR...
Price: £ 69.99Terrier Tank locomotive 0-6-0T 32670 in BR lined black with late crest
'Terrier' Class, 0-6-0T, 'WC&PR No. 4'
Price: £ 109.99'Terrier' Class, 0-6-0T, Class A1X Weston Clevedon and Portishead Railway'...
Related posts
-
What scale is Hornby?Hornby model railways are OO Scale or 1/76th that is 4 millimetres to the foot (12 inches). It runs on a track with... - How to weight my model so it does not tip?For wargaming figures, a small coin or washer glued to the under side of the base will usually to do the job. This...
- Is Bachmann compatible with Hornby?Yes, any OO scale loco, wagon or coach will work on any OO scale track, regardless of brand. Couplings are also...
- What are the model railway eras?According to Bachmann, as it states in their catalogue there are 9 eras. As they say in their catalogue this is not...
- Can a "DCC ready" train be used on analogue?Yes, you can use a DCC ready train on your analogue layout. DCC ready just means that the train has been factory...