The Traveling Engineers Association | Page 2

will be carefully noted; his record as to the use of coal, supplies and attention to duty will be taken into consideration.
It is hoped that he will give everything in detail the consideration it merits and realize fully that it is by looking after the little things that a man succeeds. It should be borne in mind that by filling well the position he holds he becomes entitled to the confidence that makes better positions possible. It is understood that those who conduct the examination may ask any question or questions bearing on any subject of this examination, in order to determine how well the persons being examined understands the subject. A mere memorized answer will not be sufficient. The full meaning of each answer must be understood.

=EXAMINATION QUESTIONS=
FIRST SERIES
1. Q. What do you consider essential for your success in regard to the use of fuel A. I deem it essential to my success to be as economical in the use of fuel and supplies as is consistent with the work to be performed, exercising good judgment in my work, harmonious co-operation with my engineer, and showing a willingness to learn and practice the best methods in my work.
2. Q. What are the fireman's duties on arrival at enginehouse previous to going out on a locomotive?
A. He is required to examine the bulletin board, guards on water and lubricator glasses; try gauge cocks to find true water level; then examine grates, ash-pan, flues and fire-box. Put fire in proper shape; see that a proper supply of firing tools, water, coal, oil and waste are provided, that all lamps and markers are filled, cleaned and in proper condition; and to perform such other duties as may be required by the engineer to assist him in getting the engine in readiness.
3. Q. What pressure is indicated by the steam gauge? What is meant by atmospheric pressure?
A. The pressure per square inch inside of the boiler. Atmospheric pressure is the pressure represented by the density of the atmosphere in pounds per square inch, which is at sea level 14.7 pounds.
4. Q. On what principle does a steam gauge work?
A. The steam gauge pointer is actuated by a flattened or bent round tube to straighten itself under the pressure of steam against the water inside of tube. The gauge pointer receives movement from suitable mechanism connected with the tube.
5. Q. What is the source of power in a steam locomotive?
A. Heat is the source of power in all steam engines. It is necessary to have fuel and water. When fuel is burned, the water coming in contact with the hot sheets evaporates and becomes steam, which is then used in the cylinders to force the pistons back and forth.
6. Q. About what quantity of water should be evaporated in a locomotive boiler to the pound of coal?
A. From five to seven pounds of water. For example, one gallon of water weighs eight and one-third pounds, therefore 100 pounds of coal should evaporate from sixty to eighty-four gallons of water.
7. Q. What is steam, and how is it generated?
A. Steam is water in the condition of a vapor and is generated by heating the water above the boiling point.
8. Q. What is the purpose of the water gauge glass and gauge cocks?
A. To indicate the level of water in the boiler.
9. Q. What would indicate to you that the boiler connections of water gauge glasses were becoming clogged?
A. The up and down movement of the water in the glass would become slow and inactive, or it would not register correctly with the gauge cocks.
10. Q. At what temperature does water boil?
A. At atmospheric pressure, which is 14.7 pounds at sea level, water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit; the temperature, however, increases as the pressure under which the water is boiled increases. At 200 pounds boiler pressure the temperature would be 388 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Q. What is carbon?
A. Carbon forms the greatest part of all kinds of coal; the higher the per cent. of carbon, the higher the grade of coal.
12. Q. What is the composition of bituminous coal?
A. It is composed of carbon about 75 per cent. and many gaseous substances, as is shown by its burning with a large flame and much smoke. Anthracite, on the contrary, is nearly pure carbon and burns with a small flame.
13. Q. What is combustion?
A. Combustion or burning is a chemical process, it is the action of fire on inflammable substances and is the union of the oxygen in the air with the carbon in the fuel; this is called rapid combustion. Slow combustion is the decaying of wood or iron by the elements.
14. Q. Is air necessary for combustion?
A. Yes.
15. Q. About how many cubic feet of air is necessary for the combustion of a pound of