Steam jet pricker

[John Ashworth]

The steam jet pricker is an implement for cleaning the steam jets which blow coal to different parts of the firebox when using the mechanical stoker. By its nature it is a bent and sharp object, not a straight and blunt one. On both 16th December 2008 and 29th March 2009, footplate crew came on duty and found that somebody had very helpfully straightened it. On both occasions the crew had to unstraighten it and grind the end back to a sharp point. It would probably be helpful if people could stop helpfully straightening this implement!

[Derek Walker]

I think somebody is using it to cook sosaties with in the firebox.... or catch fish.