81.340 - modifications part 4

Piko 5/6315 - Steam locomotive Type 81 no. 81.340 (modified)

   

For the type's history, see the earlier submission.

As mentioned before, Piko's Type 81, while representative for a standard DB Class 55 engine, needs a number of modifications to properly represent a Belgian engine.

Next step: the smoke damper.

Towards the end of their career, some steam engines in Belgium were fitted with a damper, which allowed a crew to cover the stack when the engine was running stationary, in order to lessen the draught through the stack.  This simple modification meant that when stationary, less coal had to be added to the fire to keep it burning, thus reducing the engine's overall coal consumption and increasing its fuel efficiency.

But of course, nearly every model company emits this part from their models... >.>