Realistic pump testing – boiler simulator?

[PeterCraymer]

Russ,

I did the same for plumbing on the loco. I did however plumb the tender such that I can open the hatch and see the water from the axle pump or the hand pump (piped together to help prime axle pump) pumping back into the tender. The line extends above all except super full tender tank conditions so that I can always see if the water is pumping. Assumptions are made that when the bypass is closed and the described thumping is heard, that the pump is actually putting water into the boiler. Depending on the load and grade combination, those pulses rob enough power that I will not use the axle pump except for flat or down grade running.

Normal operation for me is in the corner because I don't worry about efficiency. My 10-wheeler seems to use very little water as it is and I enjoy hearing the engine work. All personal preference!