The Traveling Engineers Association | Page 2

the work done by the fireman during the year and how the work
compares with that of other firemen in the same class of service 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