The new spark arrestor with the mesh screens in place ready for operation.
Spark Arrestor Design
Following a serious lineside fire we were asked by the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway to design a spark arrestor for 0-6-0T 'Doll'. The arrestor design was required to prevent emission of hot particles large enough to start fires whilst avoiding adversely effecting the locomotive’s steaming capacity. In addition the fireman was to be able to easily clean the tubes and smokebox before lighting up.
The close proximity of the live steam pipes leading to the cylinders to the blast nozzle and chimney presented a challenge but the final design, which incorporates a removable table plate and split screen, has proven itself to be both effective and easy for crews to use as can be seen in the photographs.
The spark arrestor without the mesh screens but with the removable table plate in place.