BOILER AND MECHANICAL RULES
1. All new, repaired, or modified boilers shall be hydrostatically tested to a pressure of not less than 200% of the operating pressure before being put in operation, and shall be retested every 24 months of operation to 150% of operating pressure.
2. Boilers shall show no bulging or displacement of sheets, firebox, barrel or any pressure surface, and no serious leaks or sudden drop in pressure during hydrostatic test.
3. If the steam gauge range is sufficient, it shall be left in place and a record made of its accuracy at operating pressure. If the range is not high enough to stand the test pressure, it shall be removed and tested against the master gauge.
4. Safety valves shall open at and hold the pressure at not over 10% of the operating pressure, or they shall be replaced with valves capable of relieving the pressure. Owners shall supply boiler plugs or caps for the safety valves and any appurtenance they do not want test pressure to reach. They shall also supply a fitting for down or washout plug opening. It shall be threaded on one end to fit their boiler, and threaded for 1/8" or 1/4" N.P.T. male or female on the other end. This fitting is for the connection of the test equipment which will be available at the club track. The owners may conduct the test themselves, but it must be witnessed and recorded by the Boiler Inspector.
5. The Boiler Inspector shall fill out a certificate of the test that they witnessed or conducted. A copy shall be given to the owner and the Iowa model Steam Engineers to file.
6. Members and visitors operating their steam locomotives at the Iowa Model Steam Engineers will be required to have a current boiler test certificate from the Iowa Model Steam Engineers or from a live-steam club which makes similar tests. If these requirements cannot be shown, a boiler test must be made.
7. Propane-fired locomotives must have safety chains or links between locomotive and trailing propane-carrying cars. Cars carrying propane must be adequately vented.
8. All 3 ½ “,4 ¾ “ and 7 ½ “ gauge Trains must be equipped with safety chains (one on each side of coupler and two on each coupled joint) between all cars, tenders and Locomotives. The only exception to this will be a pin and link joint between locomotive and Tender or cars if approved at the track by the senior club officer at the track and/or the designated safety officer of the run.
9. All 4 3/4", 3 1/2 and 7 1/2" gauge locomotives must be equipped with effective brakes. Brakes may be actuated by hand, foot, steam, air, hydraulic, electric, or other means.
10. Coal burning locomotives must be equipped with an adequate ash pan.
11. Locomotives must be equipped with an effective whistle or horn.
12. All locomotives and cars must comply with the Iowa Model Steam Engineers coupler and wheel standards (BLS standards adopted in 1986).