Cylinder Drain Cocks

[STAFFORDA4]

is it me or does it seem that present-day steam operations require an apparent over use of cylinder drain cocks being open? (Particularly mainline starts)
I'm not a technical person so any informed response would be appreciated as I can't recall such happening so often in the old days.
Thanks in anticipation

[Hatfield Shed]

I would suggest two factors.

Most steam locos in preservation conditions are not being worked as intensively as when steam traction was the norm, therefore more use of the drain cocks is necessary while the engines are getting up to full temperature to avoid any condensation build up in the cylinders.

Rather more care being taken of locomotives in preservation than by the steam age workforce, who perhaps were not uniformly quite so concerned about the niceties shall we say? (Compare overall treatment of company cars with that of privately owned vehicles.)

[STAFFORDA4]

Thank you for the explanation; it makes great sense
Eric

[richard]

I was also under the impression that the drain cocks were opened more to put on a bit of a show for the photographers?
They're all lined up on the platform - better keep them entertained whilst we wait for departure time

[greenglade]

drain cocks should always be used when starting, this is very important for piston valve locomotives as they risk a hydraulic lock, you need to clear the condensate first.....side valves can get away with the valve listing but still best avoided..

Pete