Engine Safety

• Never add butane to your locomotive while the burner is still lit.
• When adding butane to your locomotive while on the track, stop filling the tank when another train is approaching and give a quick ‘blow’ on the track area underneath to dissipate any vapors that may be present.  Resume fueling after the locomotive has past.
• When fueling alcohol locomotives with a chicken feed fuel system, always make sure the fuel valve is closed before removing the fuel cap from the tank.  This will eliminate fuel overflow from the wicks.
• When fueling alcohol locomotives with a sump style fuel system, please remove the locomotive from the track before adding fuel.  (Over filling the fuel tank will cause a spill on the track area either around the wick pots, or the overflow line.  This spill could then be ignited by another passing engine and damage the track, engines running, rolling stock, and possibly hurt spectators.)
• If your alcohol locomotive has a track fire from spillage, please do not run it again until the problem has been corrected.  (This is most likely either loose wicking material, a broken fuel line or an out of adjustment sump, and should be rectified before returning to the track to run.) 
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  Fuel Leaks (Alcohol)

  If a wick type burner overflows and spills alcohol out of the wick tubes, check the following points: (1) The filler plug is not properly installed.  Check to see that the O-ring is in good condition.   (2) The bottom end of the air pipe, shown in Figure 40, does not extend down far enough in the sump.  Remove the sump and extend the length of the air pipe by slipping a piece of silicone tubing over it

  (3) If the top end of the air pipe is below the lower edge of the filler plug fitting and the tank is overfilled, fuel will seep down the air pipe and flood the sump causing the excess fuel to spill out through the wicks.  Remove fuel until the over flow stops and when re-filling use the exact amount of fuel specified.   (4) On a hot day, a tank locomotive, such as the Pannier, may have its fuel supply start to vaporize because of the proximity of the fuel tank to the burner.  This may cause fuel spillage and fires along the track.  Halt operations and close the fuel needle valve if this occurs.  Cool the top of the fuel tank with a wet cloth and do not resume operation until the ambient temperature is cooler. Remember, the the level of fuel in the sump will normally coincide with the lower end of the air pipe.  This level must be below the top of the wick tubes or else  fuel leakage will occur.  If a vaporizing burner pilot wick overflows, the fuel tank needle valve is opened too far.  Open it to the point that fuel flow equals burn. Ref:  Thanks to Jim Pitts and Southern Steam Trains for use of this information.   http://www.southernsteamtrains.com/manual/trouble-shooting.htm

   

  Coal Fired Locomotives

  • No coal fired locomotives will be run on the inside (dual gauge) track.

  • Dumping of cinders or ashes on the track is strictly prohibited.  (Use ash pan or remove from track)

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Please remember, damaged track ties due to a track fire is YOUR responsibility, not the clubs.

Track Safety

• Since most of the major accidents happen to trains running on the outside track, it is strongly suggested that slower running locomotives use this track.  This would help eliminate speeding trains approaching members and the public, surprising them, and getting knocked off the track accidentally.  (A slower train gives more reaction time when alerted to it’s presence.)
• When running on the outside track, it is also strongly suggested that you run your train from the outside of the track area.  This will eliminate reaching over the two inner tracks and greatly reduce the possibility of an accident or interference with the inside track operators.
• When running on the center track, always check for approaching trains on the inner track before reaching for your engine or train.  (The faster trains will be running on the inner and center tracks, so it is very important that you check before reaching!)
• Since there is not always a track marshal, it is everyone’s responsibility to watch for hands, arms, and other obstacles that may get in the way of running trains.  Don’t be afraid to let someone know that they are too close to the track and could cause an accident, or they’re not following one of the guidelines listed here.  The train you save may be your own!

Etiquette

• Members and guests shall act in a manner reflecting the reputation of the MSSLS Club as a friendly, inviting and family oriented group.
• No improper language, jokes, jesters or rudeness will be tolerated.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at the location of public exhibitions.

Following these rules is required, and appreciated by the MSSLS founding fathers.

Fred G.,  Tom M., Tom T., Bob W.