Volume Two - The Era of Optimism, Investment & Development - Penarth's contribution to coal exports . . .

Coal is of various qualities and compositions, the greater part being carbon. the remaining portion composed of gases and ash (see Diagram No. 2 - left). Some coals produce a clinker, which runs to the bars; a good preventative of this is to scatter some limestone or broken fire brick (old brick arch) over the bars before making up the fire. The limestone or fire brick should be broken into pieces not larger than an average sized hen's egg. This not only keeps the metallic substance in the coal from coming in contact with and running to the bars, but it also makes the cleaning of the fire at the end of the journey much easier.

Very large lumps of coal should not be put into the firebox but should be broken to a reasonable size, care being taken not to make too much small or dust. It is easy to imagine what takes place when lumps of coal are deposited against the firebox side, or pushed forward against the tube plate; holes are thus formed allowing cold air to pass through the fire and play upon the plates, setting up local contractions, while the other parts of the firebox and under expansion owing to the heat of the fire, and this inequality will cause the tube ends to leak and thick smoke will be given off.

The excessive use of fireirons on the journey is bad practice; it is, however, sometimes necessary when commencing the journey to run the pricker lightly through the fire and ease it - also when finishing the run it may be essential to use the bent dart to push the fire from under the door towards the front end in order to burn it down preparatory either to cleaning it or stabling the engine. Every care should be taken when firing to avoid emission of smoke; this should be the Fireman's first consideration. When too much smoke is emitted it means gases are being wasted, resulting in a loss of heat and waste of coal, in addition to causing a public nuisance and complaints from the Health Authorities.