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Description:
Heritage Park's Steam Engineer
School is held to help
promote and encourage the hobby of steam engineering. This is a beginner's
class, no prior experience is necessary, however anyone with prior experience
is also encouraged to attend if they so desire. Attendees of the seminar will
be instructed in the safe operation and care of steam boilers and engines.
Topics on boilers will include types of boilers, basic boiler operation,
safety devices, proper boiler start up and shut down procedures, use of
injectors and pumps, forced draft induction, firing a boiler under load,
holding constant steam pressure and how to handle emergency situations. Steam
engine topics will include basic operation of the steam engine, starting and
stopping the engine, how the valve gear works, how a steam engine governor
works and how to lubricate the engine and drive train.
As part of the course,
attendees will help prepare one or more steam traction engines for steam up.
This will include washing the boiler, visually inspecting the boiler, ultrasonically
testing the boiler, installing hand hole plates, checking for leaks as the
boiler is filled with water, cleaning the flues and lubricating the engine
and drive train. Students, under the supervision of experienced engineers,
will steam-up one or more steam traction engines. They will have hands-on
experience operating the steam traction engine including proper firing
techniques, ways to check boiler water level, starting and stopping the
injector and/or pump, starting and stopping the engine, maneuver the engine
through a prearranged course and help trouble shoot problems.
Although Iowa does not require
a license to operate a steam boilers, a test that is similar to the test
required by the State of Minnesota
to get a Hobby Steam Engineer's License will be administered at the
conclusion of the seminar for attendees wishing to take the test. All
attendees successfully completing the seminar will be provided a certificate
of completion.
The course is held in May
at Heritage Park's show grounds that is on the
south edge of Forest City,
Iowa. There is no tuition
charge, but a nominal fee for lunch and break refreshments is charged. Free
primitive camping for out of town people is available. Hotel accommodations
are also available at the Super 8 Motel (641-585-1300), The Lodge
(888-771-3535) or the Village Chateau Motor Inn (641-585-4351).
To register for the
course follow this link.
The following topics are
covered in the two day course:
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