As locomotive grate sizes increased, the tender size increased proportionately as well. Mechanical stokers were added to maintain firing rates that no that human fireman could maintain. Stokers also gave the fireman more "reach" as firebox length's exceeded the distance that he could throw a scoopful. Even with a mechanical stoker, it was still necessary for the fireman to use his scoop to move coal forward so that the stoker screw to grab it. To assist the fireman with this task, the coal pusher was developed to move coal forward. The attachments give the details concerning pusher operations. The Frisco placed coal pushers on several of its 4100's, 4136, 4137, 4149, 4140, 4142-4148 had installed after delivery. Likewise, coal pushers were added to the 4200's after delivery. The 4300's, 4411-4422 class, & the coal-burning 4500's were built with them.
Karl-thanks for posting those instructions. You answered what would have been my next question. Larry
In reading all this can you tell me what knocking a stam engine mean I think its putting out the fire but can't find out if that is true or not.'' Carl
Carl, knocking the steam engine refers to putting out the fire and knocking the ashes and cinders out of the firebox by dunping the fire grate.
