Preparations For Operation; Filling The Gas Tank; Filling The Boiler - roundhouse WILLIAM Owner's Handbook Manual

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PREPARING FOR OPERATION

The locomotive must be serviced before being operated. It is important to per-

form all the following operations.

The filling of the gas tank should only be carried out in a well-ventilated area,

where there are no naked lights or other lighted locomotives close by. Ordi-

nary Butane or Iso-butane gas (as used in gas cigarette lighters) is the pre-

ferred fuel, though for economy, the larger canisters as used for blowlamps or

camping stoves etc. are better. The larger canisters have an EN417 threaded

self sealing valve on top and require a special adapter to couple up to the filler

valve on the locomotive. A special brass gas filler adapter is obtainable from

your local garden railway supplier or direct from ROUNDHOUSE.

Mixed gasses are also available and may be used if ordinary butane or iso-

butane are not available, but see 'Gas System' on page 13 for more informa-

tion on this subject.

Before attempting to fill the gas tank, make sure that the gas control valve is

closed by turning it clockwise.

The filler valve for the gas tank is on top of the tank under the cab roof. Invert

the gas canister and place its nozzle over the gas filler valve. Support the tank

from underneath and press the canister down. The gas will be heard hissing as

it enters the tank and a small amount will escape around the valve. This is

quite normal and is the tank venting as the liquid enters. After about 20 to 30

seconds, liquid gas will emerge from the valve showing that the tank is full.

Remove the canister immediately.

A syringe and plastic pipe are supplied for filling of the boiler.

The boiler is filled with water through the filler plug housed under the brass

dome on top of the boiler. The brass dome is a substantial and heavy item, be-

ing turned from solid brass. Care is needed when removing the dome, espe-

cially when the engine is hot, as the dome itself will be hot. Take care not to

drop the dome onto the locomotive, as the weight of it may damage the

model. Lift off the brass dome then remove the filler plug by unscrewing it.

Fill the boiler right to the top with clean water. Distilled water is recom-

mended if available. As an alternative to distilled water if this is unavailable,

clean tap water can be used in soft water areas. Also, rain water or water from

a dehumidifier can be used provided that it is adequately filtered

Do not use deionised water as this type of water may cause long term damage

to the boiler and fittings.

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