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 the third weekend in May at Heritage Park's show grounds that is on the south edge of Forest City, Iowa. Tuition is $30 and includes the student handout, continental breakfast, lunch and break refreshments.
Help spread the word about Heritage Park's Annual Steam School by downloading this printable flyer that provides an overview of the event.
Using the above link you can register online to attend the 2012 Heritage Park Steam School event.