DM&IR 2-8-8-4 "Yellowstone" Fireman's Station. Here's a detailed view of the Fireman's Station on board DM&IR #227, a massive 2-8-8-4 Yellowstone Locomotive, located in the main exhibit hall of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth, MN. Behold the very crowded panel of valves and gauges, befitting a locomotive of this size and complexity. From here, the Fireman controls the Elesco Feedwater Heater, which uses exhaust steam to preheat the water from the tender, before it is pumped into the boiler. This reduces thermal stresses on the boiler, but also improves thermodynamic efficiency. The water level in the boiler is monitored via the water glass at the upper right. The Fireman also controls the stoker, and associated steam jets, which pulls (and crushes) coal from the bunker behind him using an auger, and distributes it into the firebox. There's no hand-bombing this baby. The firebox is like a bowling alley. It's just way too large for a single human to keep up with. The Fireman may, periodically get up and check his fire, and perhaps use the coal scoop to cover any areas which are not getting proper coverage from the stoker, mainly the corners. The array of valves in front of him also includes the blower, which directs steam through the venturi in the smokebox, and is used to put a draft on the fire when the locomotive is not in motion. Needless to say, between his duties keeping steam pressure up and monitoring the water and fire, the Fireman on this engine is a busy puppy. Oh did I mention that he also needs to be watching the track on left-hand curves?
