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Coolant question

Discussion in 'Diesel & Electric Traction' started by Breva, Apr 2, 2023.

  1. Breva

    Breva Well-Known Member

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    I came across this unusual vehicle at Exeter yesterday.

    What is the story behind that? It feels a bit like 1950s service stations, with a watering can for leaky radiator top ups....
    IMG_20230331_163328073_HDR.jpg
    Oh yes, and the superfluous warning not to drink the water. How would anyone manage do that, and why on earth?
     
    Breva, Apr 2, 2023
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  2. staffordian

    staffordian Well-Known Member

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    You're spot on. They were prone to coolant loss and this was the solution.
     
    staffordian, Apr 2, 2023
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  3. Dunfanaghy Road

    Dunfanaghy Road Well-Known Member

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    IMG_0695.JPG
    Not just a British problem!
    Allegedly, the Red Army officers treated their squaddies so badly that they had to try to get drinking water from locos. Water treatment and human digestion did not work well together, I imagine!
    Pat
     
    Dunfanaghy Road, Apr 2, 2023
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  4. Breva

    Breva Well-Known Member

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    I can see how you might get water to drink out of a loco tender (or tank), but imagine trying to get it out of that cart! You'd have to be very determined.

    In fact steam loco water was often used to wash your hands, and I have a picture of train crew washing their hair with water from tender (bar of soap on the tender steps, where else?)
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/73536293@N02/22457700057/in/album-72157660959544482/
     
    Breva, Apr 2, 2023
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  5. Phill S

    Phill S New Member

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    Maybe it is to stop a determined person filling up the buffet car tanks with it? People try all sorts of stupid things when they're under pressure, or being lazy.
     
    Phill S, Apr 2, 2023
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