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INTRODUCTION
This little work is designed for Locomotive
Engineers and Firemen. It
is written with a view of aiding, in a spirit of earnest sympathy,
those
desirous of fully understanding and mastering their responsible
vocation.
While there are not many works that explain, plainly and thoroughly,
and
with freedom from unnecessary technicality, the management of the
locomotive,
it is true that in no other branch of mechanical industry a correct
knowledge
of principles and details more important. Indeed, the possession of
such
a knowledge is an indispensable requisite to the man who is daily
intrusted
with the safety of human life and property. Believing, from a practical
experience of many years, that there is positive need of a manual that
will impart to Engineers and Firemen precise practical knowledge on the
subject of their
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duties, and the care of an engine, the author
has been induced to prepare
the treastise which follows. He does not claim for his work a high
degree
of literary excellence, but he has the vanity to believe that in
putting
upon paper the actual results of and deductions from his own
experience,
he has place it within the poser of any competent and intelligent
mechanic
to become entirely familiar with his duties, and, in fact, to make
himself
a first-class Engineer.
The book is designed also as a pocket companion for those as well who
have mastered their profession, much embarrassment being often avoided
by the possession of a convenient work of reference which exact
information
is desired. It is anticipated, therefore, that the work will prove as
valuable
to the experienced Engineer as to the tyro in the profession. That it
will
have a tendency to elevate the Engineer in his calling and add to his
usefulness
to his employer and the public is the earnest hope of the writer.
In placing the result of his labors before his brother Engineers, the
authour begs leave to
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state that he has endeavored
throughout to conform himself strictly
to the matter in hand, viz., the succinct explanation of the use and
operation
of all the important parts of the locomotive engine, its care, and the
proper performance of the duties devolving upon the Engineer. The
explanations
and instructions will be given in the plainest possible language,
devoid
of scientific terms, and condensed as much as is consistent with entire
clear ness of statement. The reason of things as well as the operation
and the effect, will be fully explained, and no idea will be advanced
that
cannot be entirely substantiated. In short, it is designed that it
shall
constitute a comprehensive and commonsense manual of locomotive
engineering,
and as such it is confidently hoped that it will meet, in an especial
manner,
the necessities of those who have not had an opportunity to acquire
that
knowledge which their profession calls for. The book is not designed
for
the instruction of locomotive builders or machinists, but solely for
the
improvement of Engineers and Firemen, and therefore much that is merely
technical in regard to the
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construction of the engine is omitted. Should it
prove a useful and
valued companion to those ambitious to excel in the line of honorable
effort,
the authors object will be fully attained.
Chapter
1 - Introduction
Chapter
2 - Locomotive
Chapter
3 - The Fireman
Chapter
4 - Advice to Young Engineers
Chapter
5 - Tramming and Center Marking
Chapter
6 - Adjusting Side and Main Rods
Chapter
7 - Pumps and Pump Valves
Chapter
8 - Cylinder and Cylinder Packing.
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