Boiler inspector Des Painton replaced the fusible plugs in 2650's firebox today. An interesting procedure.
Photos by John Ashworth, 14th August 2010
2650: fusible plugs
- John Ashworth
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2650: fusible plugs
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- Early in the morning, the fire is just starting, with a lot of smoke.
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- Fanned with compressed air from below, the fire is now hot. The ladle of molten alloy sits on the fire. Two plugs sit at the front of the table.
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- Des flushes the plug under the tap
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- The molten alloy simmers on the hot fire
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- Des stirs his witch's brew
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- The heated plug is being cleaned with ammonium chloride, hence the smoke
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- Pouring the molten alloy into the first plug, sitting in its special rack
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- A picture of concentration - although Des has been doing this for more years than most of us can imagine
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- Pouring into the third plug
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- A little spillage
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- Des has just added a sprinkle of ammonium chloride, hence the smoke
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- Cooling
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- The finished product
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Re: 2650: fusible plugs
Fusible leading is certainly art that needs a fine skill. These plugs are one of the many vital components on a steam locomotive that many people don't know exist..
- John Ashworth
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Re: 2650: fusible plugs
Handing on these skills to the next generation is a real challenge. Training drivers, firemen, fitters, etc is one thing, but as you say, Brendon, people don't even know that many of these essential skills exist, so training replacements is not necessarily getting the attention it deserves. One also has to be not only trained but also certified, as these are safety-critical components and have to be signed off with a suitable paper trail.