So, last spring I did the Poland-steam-experience. In the Leszno roundhouse, there was a Kreigslok (DB52) TY2-1086. This had a pipe coming out of the cab, for steam heat to the building(s).

http://parowozy.net/album/ty2-1086-jako ... esznie-104

is one site with 3 pics of this locomotive on it.

Then, there is this picture:

http://www.dampflokbilder.de/index.htm? ... _sag_e.htm

which states that it was heating the depot winter 1994/1995; picture is of it "on the way to the coaling point (winter 1995)"

So, how were these "stationary" locomotives serviced? Were they hauled out once in a while for coaling/boiler washing/ashpan cleaning? If so, how often?

Thanks;
JohnS, Ottawa, Canada.

I don't really know for sure; but my guess is that it is maintained on the spot, like a regular stationary fire tube boiler would be. It probably only goes back to the depot for heavy repairs.

The former Soviet Railways has/had a lot of these stationary boilers which are used for heating depots. Their running gear is appearently maintained so they can be moved from one job to another.

A significant number of Deutsche Reichsbahn (East Germany 1945-1989) rare locomotives were kept reasonably intact into the preservation era (post-1989 end of the Berlin Wall and German reunification) by being used as industrial or roundhouse heating boilers. Often the side rods and/or main rods was partially removed, but this are relatively easily and cheaply replaced, especially in Germany where locomotives are meticulously engineered and thoroughly documented.

The big question with steam locomotives used as stationary boilers is how well the boiler is maintained: Is boiler water treatment compound used to minimize corrosion and scale build-up? Is it blown down regularly to reduce mineral concentration (and prevent scale build-up)? Is operated by a competent fireman in a professional manner? The answer to all these questions probably was "Jawohl!" (yes absolutely!) in Germany, where very high standards of personnel training, competence, and job performance were and are normal.

I doubt the same was true very often at the average American sugar mill or cannery.

I have personally inspected one steam locomotive boiler used as a low-pressure steam source at an American cannery. It has serious water-side corrosion with deep pitting on the flue sheets and firebox sheets, plus hard scale build-up.

- Doug Debs