Weeting

[Pandora's Firebox]

Originally Posted by Vern

You will not believe this, but guess what happened today... albeit only 255psi. We have a restrictor in the top and a ball at the bottom, but still a nice little bang. As for the rest of it, I won't argue with you, but I will generalise. Depending on the engine, pipes and their joints have been known to fail and blowbacks from the firehole are hardly rare and cotton affords at least some protection.My real concern is for those who use the same glass year after year and don't wear overalls- a combination odds on to conspire to disaster. The other thing is that engine sense comes from an aptitude that not everyone has. I have been teacher at both experience day and proffessional levels more times than I can remember and the candidates vary from great potential to hopeless.. Bearing in mind the only formal qualification for road steam is money, the passing on of best practice helps to protect us all. If you think I'm being a killjoy, I'm sorry and it certainly isn't my intention- I am actually capable of having a good time and do have an intermittent sense of humour. Vern.

Having met you in person on our quite regular trips to Whitby, I can honestly say you're certainly no bore or killjoy Vern, but when it comes to steam, you're probably the most genuinely knowledgeable and experienced member of TT!

Here's looking forward to November!