ODE TO A STEAMER

 

 

To be on watch on a Y100 system was to be genuinely at the heart of the matter. Standing amongst the entrails of the system in a way that no modern system can duplicate, the main feed pump moaned, the extractor pump moaned and forced draft blower screamed. The reciprocating fuel pumps clanked or banged depending on how well adjusted they were, or how worn the Glissard valve was. When it all went wrong, no one sent for a new engine. Real people with real sweat made it work again. Real people with real sweat are still doing this, but I suspect that the demise of the Y100 has made the task a little easier.

 

Unknown Author

 

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