WESES Road run

[Steam Man]

Originally Posted by Longguts

So i understand a white vapour commng away from exhausted steam is excessive water,noting that the engine is also blowing off i would guess that the boiler pressure is at 200 psi ? at this presure the steam should be carrying less water vapour than at say 100 psi so should not be visible at the exhaust . Also the exhaust noise of the engine changed several times during the accent of the hill, useing the "button" to gain sound effect? this would cause an engine to lift water if a little on the full side . This is how i understand it but if im wrong so be it , but all i do know to be fact is that our ashpan fits tight and doesnt give us this appearance on the road going up steep hills unless we are too full of water.

Can anyone clarify for me why mainline locomotives show white vapor when traveling with their dampers shut?

[Pride of Somerset]

Originally Posted by Steam Man

Can anyone clarify for me why mainline locomotives show white vapor when traveling with their dampers shut?

Rob, I have always assumed that it is because they - or at least most of them - use superheated steam - but I may be wrong - commentators often are, I'm told!!!!!

I'm keeping out of discussions on priming, but were not the umbrellas to protect the fair ladies against fallout of the cinder rather than nuclear type??!!