At TVRM, we used scraps of wood along with some diesel fuel and a fusee to light the fire. Some of the valves on the backhead of our hand fired locos were the turret valve to provide steam to the turbo generator and the air pump, and also the blower valve for the firebox draft. Other valves were for priming and activating injectors, there were also tricocks to check the true level of the water sight glass, and also a cylinder cock valve. On a stoker fired or oil fired loco, there were an additional array of control valves for adjusting the atomizer or stoker for proper dispersal of fuel into the firebox. Training by experienced personnel was the method to learn all the critical controls and their functions before qualifying as a fireman. Running a steam locomotive requires constant attention to the fire, water level and boiler pressure by both the fireman and engineer, and keeping those three entities balanced at all times. As steam is used, adjustments must be made to meet the demands of grades and loads. Monitoring the brakeline pressure gauge during brake applications is necessary so that you avoid peddling off air, which can seriously impact braking capacity, since steam locos have no regenerative braking capability.
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