Water loss

[Geoff Startin]

Hi. new to all this , so a question. I have A pre-owned Lady Ann. I have recently noticed it seems to drop quite a bit of water when pistons start for the first time when up to pressure. I have measured this at 15ml, Is this normal or do I have a problem ?

 

[G-force1]

Some condensation in the cylinders is inevitable, both from what gets left from the steam the last time it ran and the cold system warming up this time. If you want to reduce it, always empty your boiler, after running, and afterwards push the loco back and forth with the regulator open and in gear (either way), to expel anything left in the system. Emptying the boiler is necessary in cold weather so it's a good habit to get into,

 

[Geoff Startin]

Some condensation in the cylinders is inevitable, both from what gets left from the steam the last time it ran and the cold system warming up this time. If you want to reduce it, always empty your boiler, after running, and afterwards push the loco back and forth with the regulator open and in gear (either way), to expel anything left in the system. Emptying the boiler is necessary in cold weather so it's a good habit to get into,

Thanks ,as I run it more or less daily I do leave water in, so will try emptying as you say , thanks again.

 

[G-force1]

Glad to help.

 

[Alpineandy]

Something you get used to with live steamers...........filling the boiler with warmed water gets things steaming a bit quicker in cold weather too