Great Central Railway Loughborough Leicestershire 26th January 2019

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Thanks!

An interesting 'office'.
Is the firehole flap raised to block what seems to be a secondary air hole in the firedoors when secondary air is not wanted?
I see 1 gauge glass but can't immediately see three try taps which I'd expect.

Yes a great place to work!
The flap is to restrict the secondary air but lets more in than closing the doors themselves.
Typically Great Western there is only one water gauge! The black vertical lever on the left of the glass with its handle partially obscuring the pressure gauge actually closes/opens both top and bottom gauge taps at the same time. The brass vertical tap at the very bottom drains the water.

Thanks Pete. So you can't individually clear the gauge feeds. What then are the 2 taps to the right of the gauge? I commented on what seems to be the same lubricator type on a photo at that other site. Are the 4 outlets used? Wiki says this is a 2 cylinder loco. It appears to be easier to read than a Detroit British.

My pleasure Graham. A bit crude but the two taps are also typical GWR. Instead of two water gauges the 2nd is replaced by those taps. In theory you can tell where the water level is by opening them to see whether water or steam shoots out. I have never used them although I have tried - both were jammed! Yes it is the same, a hydrostatic lubricator. The 4 sight glasses are for lubricating the left and right valve chests and cylinders

Those two taps are named 'try taps', and I'm not being ironic. Ok on the lubricator.

Oh, I do love this Pete. Brings back ancient memories of taking my kids into the fiery engines of steam train excursions. I love the romance of steam even if it is not very labour efficient!

Thanks Diana. Very labour inefficient but very labour satisfying! Actually these days a labour of love.

beautiful photo

Wish you a peaceful day!