How much weight can a steam train pull?
How much weight can a steam train pull? Two of the most powerful steam locomotives ever built, The Yellowstones and the Big Boys, both weighed over 1 million pounds, so they were obviously capable of pulling several million pounds of weight.
How many HP is a steam train?
The results were quite interesting and exactly what the Chief Engineer had expected. Normal Operating Power for the steam engines was about 1700 Hp per shaft, 3400 Hp total. Max Power output of the engines was about 2500 Hp per shaft, 5000 Hp total.
Are steam trains stronger than diesels?
ton for ton a steam locomotive can and does pull more tons at higher speeds than a diesel locomotive can. The H.P. of a diesel is less effective at faster speeds because more electricity is needed to keep the traction motors spinning at the higher speeds.
How much torque does a train have?
A locomotive can generate more than 60,000 lb-ft of torque. But in order for it to use this torque effectively, the eight wheels on the locomotive have to be able to apply it to the track without slipping. The locomotive uses a neat trick to increase the traction.
How long of a train could a big boy pull?
Theoretically, the Big Boy could pull a train 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long on flat ground from a standing start. In practice, the engine routinely pulled over 100 cars. During World War II, the Big Boys spent most of their time moving freight between Ogden and Green River.
How much weight can trains pull?
Rail cars are far bigger than truck trailers Most rail cars can have a gross weight (the total weight of the load, including the weight of the rail car itself) of up to 286,000 pounds. Heavy axle rail cars can have a gross weight of up to 315,000 pounds.
What was the fastest steam train?
Mallard: The world's fastest steam locomotive | National Railway Museum.