Ash Pans

What is the general view on Ash Pans. The plans for a coal fired SPEEDY 5" loco show an ash pan with allows all ash to drop onto the track. Is this acceptable these days, or should I modify it to catch all the ash ? Comments please.
BobH

Since I burnt out a grate on my Maxitrak Ruby loco because the ash pan got clogged up I made my ash pan self cleaning by putting a slot on the bottom of the pan near the rear. When the loco is motion the hot ashes fall from the grate red hot and cool down by the time they have bounced back to slot and fall out. The only time I drop red hot ash onto track is when I give the fire a good stir with the pricker. I usually do this in the station area where there is normally water supply to put out fire that may occur.

Regards Luigi

I've always fitted an ash pan to all my locos. Basically a shallow tray closed at the front end and open to the rear. I've never had a problem with ash build up even after several hours in steam. To me it doesn't seem right to just let hot ash drop onto the track. I always use stainless steel for the pan as mild steel can rust out quite quickly.

Michael

So its 50/50 at the moment - what do others do ?
BobH

I have a ash pan on my 5" gauge 0-4-0 Gemma that is closed in the front and sides, but is open at the back with a door hinged so I can open or fully close the rear opening. I have it fully open when lighting and getting up steam but once on the track find I can close it completely as enough air comes in around the edges. The ash pan is made of stainless (about .025 thou thick, with the front silver sol. in) and is about 3/4" deep. It has survived well for the 25 years it's been in position (a little warped now though). About every 30 min. or so when stopped at the station I use the poker to rake out the accumulated ash (the track through the station area is over concrete,so no fires). By doing this I have never had it clog up. The original SS built up grate is still in excellent condition with only a bit of discolouration.

When I was in the Winnipeg club, we had, during the summer 20L pails of water strategically placed around the track as there were a couple of engines there with open bottomed ash pans (and one with no ash pan!) as invariably some one would drop a hot coal and start a grass fire, and someone would have to run across the field, grab the nearest pail and put it out!

John Purdy

Empting the bucket over the chap with no ashpan might have been more effective in the long run

Neil