Soplador y Regulador de Tiro

La intensidad a la que se quema el combustible y, por lo tanto, establece la temperatura de la cámara de combustión, se controla mediante la entrada de aire en la cámara de combustión. El oxígeno en el aire enciende el fuego.

The primary way to feed air to the firebox is by opening the regulator and cutoff fully, and propelling the vehicle. As the steam is expelled from cylinders out into the atmosphere through the chimney, with every gear cycle, it creates a vacuum in the firebox, drawing in fresh air.

Además, hay dos controles diseñados para ajustar el tiro, el ventilador y el regulador de tiro.

The blower is usually operated by a valve. When open, it releases some steam from the boiler to the chimney. This creates vacuum in the firebox, drawing in fresh air. However, since this airflow is vastly inferior to the acceleration airflow, the blower is only efficient when used on a stationary engine.

The damper is usually operated by a lever. When closed (pushed down) it chokes the airflow, drastically reducing fire temperature, even if the vehicle is accelerating. This is used to intentionally cut steam production when it is no longer needed, although doing so with a well-timed water injection is an even more efficient alternative.