Smokebox door handwheels/darts

This forum is for the discussion of the locomotives, motive power, and rolling stock of the LNER and its constituent companies.

Moderators: 52D, Tom F, Rlangham, Atlantic 3279, Blink Bonny, Saint Johnstoun, richard

Post Reply
User avatar
Rlangham
LNER P2 2-8-2
Posts: 916
Joined: Sat Sep 24, 2005 2:52 pm
Location: GWR Territory
Contact:

Smokebox door handwheels/darts

Post by Rlangham »

On older photographs of NER engines (such as when in service, but sometimes seen in LNER days) handwheels on the smokebox door are often seen instead of the two 'dart' handles which seem almost universal nowadays. Was there any particular reason for some engines having them and some not, did it depend on when/where the locomotive was built or simply down to the crew's preference?
Author of 'The North Eastern Railway in the First World War' - now available in paperback!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/North-Eastern-R ... 781554552/

Happy to help with anything relating to the railways in the First World War, just ask
Hatfield Shed
LNER A4 4-6-2 'Streak'
Posts: 1664
Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2011 3:34 pm

Re: Smokebox door handwheels/darts

Post by Hatfield Shed »

Designer's decision (footplate crew were in no way authorised to alter design of functional components). As smokebox diameter increased, and with it the door aperture circumference, the force exerted by the tightening nut had to increase to produce an equivalent seal. I should think that accounts for the replacement of the smaller wheel - where it was used - with the larger lever, as locomotive development proceeded.
Post Reply