How much water does a steam locomotive use per hour?
How much water does a steam locomotive use per hour? An A4 Pacific locomotive running uphill with an express train was generating a drawbar horsepower of between about 1200 to 1300 horsepower. (Allen, 1950, Table 50, p xl). So an A4 Pacific running under these conditions was using between about 30000 and 32000 lb of water per hour (13.6 to 14.5 tonnes per hour).
Why do steam locomotives chug?
The pistons push or pull the rods connected to the drive wheels, providing the force needed to move the locomotive. The steam is exhausted through a nozzle and up through the smokebox into the stack. This action produces the “chuff chuff” sound heard when the locomotive is moving.
Why are most steam locomotives black?
Black locomotives became common beginning in 1880, after coal burning engines made grime commonplace. Black was chosen because black locomotives didn't show all the dirt and grime that covered the locomotive during normal use.
Why don t we use steam locomotives anymore?
Steam locomotives are no longer used to transport passengers or products because electric and diesel locomotives are faster, more efficient, and easier to maintain. The locomotives that are still running are a piece of history dating back to the 1800's that really put into perspective just how far we've come!
Do steam locomotives have toilets?
Actually they did, except for the oldest. In the earliest years of steam railways trains did stop frequently, so all the facilities could be found at the station: Toilets, refreshments, sale of meals into the train. As the trains went on longer distances with fewer, shorter stops, they also had toilets installed.
How much did it cost to restore Big Boy 4014?
Jim Wrinn was quoted in USA Today as estimating the cost to restore the 4014 at roughly $4 million. If I remember correctly, Stephen Lee was the engineer on the 844 trip.
How many cars could a Big Boy pull?
The Big Boys were built for power. They did the work of three smaller engines, pulling 120-car, 3800 ton freight trains at forty miles per hour in the mountains of Utah and Wyoming. With power, though, comes weight - larger cylinders, pistons, drive rods, boiler and firebox.
What is the lifespan of a steam locomotive?
Many locomotives can last 30–40 years, depending on the maintenance done on them. Our GG1 Lasted 41 years, but many of the steam locomotives were retired early. So they had years left in them, but the company did not want to run steam anymore, so they were retired early.
How far could a steam locomotive go before needing coal?
By the late steam era (1930s-1940s) a locomotive used in main line service could run anywhere between 75 to 150 miles before needing to refuel, which typically coincided with a train crew's district/territory.
Is there a toilet in a locomotive?
Yes, locomotive engines typically have a toilet, also known as a lavatory or restroom, for the use of the crew members who operate the train.
How many miles per gallon does a locomotive engine get?
Trains can move 1 ton of freight around 500 miles on 1 gallon of fuel.
How far can a locomotive go on a full tank?
1000 miles between refuellings would not be unreasonable for a road locomotive with a 4000 gallon tank averaging 40 mph on a line with a maximum grade of 1%. However I would want refuel before I am running on the bottom third of the tank, so perhaps 700 miles is more realistic.
How much horsepower did the Big Boy have?
All of the Big Boys were coal-burning, stoker-fired, designed to run 7,000 horsepower at 70 miles per hour. They have been lauded in the industry as the highest horsepower, heaviest, and longest steam locomotives ever built.
How much water does a steam locomotive use per mile?
As an example Southern Railway 2-8-2, # 4501 in excursion service averaged about 13 miles to the ton of coal and approximately 100 gallons of water to the mile. Larger engines such as N&W 611 were probably in the 150-200 gallon range. 1218 was hungrier, and thirstier, 11miles/ton and 130 gallons.