This Article is reprinted from the Dec. 1, 1996 issue of "The Smoke
Stack ", published by the Niagara Frontier Live Steamers, Inc.

SOFT PLUG'S ::DO YOU NEED ONE ???? YOU BET!!!!! WHY!!!!
OVER THIS LAST YEAR I HAVE WITNESSED 3 VERY FINE
LIVE STEAM LOCOMOTIVES DEVELOP MAJOR BOILER
PROBLEMS. I HAVE ALSO HEARD OF 4 OTHER ENGINES WITH
THE SAME PROBLEMS. ARE YOU NEXT?????? BELOW IS A
DRAWING THAT BEN NIXON DID BACK IN 1986. INSTALL ONE IN
YOUR ENGINE!!!!! THEY WORK!!!!! DON'T FIND OUT THE HARD
WAY!!!!!!

 A Crown Sheet Soft Plug to protect live steam boilers. Build up
an area to 1/4" or 3/8" and drill and tap for a 1/8" brass pipe plug.
Modify plug as shown and soft solder copper rivet in place. Install plug
and test for leaks.

 If crown sheet becomes dry immediate temperature increase will
melt solder and the remaining water in boiler will gently steam fire out
with no damage to boiler. Ben Nixon