-=> Quoting Gregory Procter to Alec Cameron <=-
 GP>  center, all powered by a semi-conventional/semi-flash boiler.
 GP>  MU'ing and traction control via computer electronics with
 GP>  track radar.
 
 AC> I wonder what the special advantage of a flash boiler is. Quick
 AC> heat up from cold?
 GP> The long firing up process is definitely a expensive
 GP> disadvantage for maintainance and operation. To operate the
 GP> steamers at our local preservation soc. someone has to light up
 GP> 6-8 hours ahead (ie early hours of Saturday morning, "not tonight
 GP> Dear, I have to get fired up!") and W192 2.6.2T 1889. always runs
 GP> better on Sunday than Saturday. The time from lighting up to
 GP> getting enough pressure to power the blower is an appreciable
 GP> part of this period. With a semi-flash boiler able to supply the
 GP> average steam requirement, the reserve steam capacity of the
 GP> boiler could be greatly reduced and therefore the total boiler
 GP> size could be smaller.
        But this would seem to be a significant consideration only
for occasional operation, such as a preserved or tourist line.  It
would appear to add significant additional complications with
little significant gain for a locomotive used in regular service.
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