Why are steam locomotives black?

Why are 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 do steam trains have black and white smoke?

Re: Color of smoke Black and grey indicates unspent fuel such as coal or oil. Brown is poor grade coal or oil or is wood smoke. White is simply steam condensing in the cooler air.

Are steam trains faster than diesel trains?

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.

Why are German steam locomotives black and red?

The new national system painted almost all its steam locomotives black. This was commonplace in many countries by the 1920s, certainly for goods engines, on grounds of cost. The red wheels and frames were intended to make it easier to spot cracks and other defects.

When did China stop making steam locomotives?

China continued to build mainline steam locomotives until the late 20th century, even building a few examples for American tourist operations. China was the last main-line user of steam locomotives, with use ending officially on the Jining–Tongliao Railway at the end of 2005.

What is the most beautiful steam locomotive?

One of the most beautiful steam locomotives ever built, the S1 was designed by Raymond Loewe. Poor balancing caused wheel-spin and only one was ever built, for the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1939.

Do trains stop for smoke breaks?

Trains make fresh air break stops about every 4 hours where passengers can get off and smoke. These stops last about 15 minutes and provide enough time to smoke and stretch your legs.

Why are steam engines no longer used?

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!

Why are American steam locomotives so big?

As a consequence, locomotives built in the United States early developed sets of leading wheels for locomotives that would make them less likely to derail, and because of the steeper grades, particularly out west, U. S. engineers created increasingly larger locomotives, eventually producing giant articulated ...

What is the most efficient steam locomotive ever built?

Portraits of Modern Steam The four-cylinder Argentina is the most efficient steam locomotive ever built.

Why is smoking banned on trains?

Railroad officials said that with smoking banned, cars would be cleaner, cost less to maintain and have more seats available during rush hour. Railroad officials had advocated a ban based on concerns about health and overcrowding.

Why are old trains black?

With the change from wood to coal for fuel it became increasingly expensive to maintain the often unique paint jobs. A man named Lauder, Superintendant of the Old Colony Railroad in Massachusetts, under pressure to reduce operating expenses, got the idea of painting everything on the locomotive black.

Do trains dump their waste?

Modern trains recycle the waste water to use again for flushing.

Do steam trains 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 fast did steam trains go?

The old steam engines were usually run well below 40MPH due to problems with maintaining the tracks-- but could go much faster. I seem to recall a 45 mile run before 1900 in which a locomotive pulled a train at better than 65MPH... (Stanley Steamer cars were known to exceed 75MPH). 3.

Are steam trains male or female?

Re: Language: Steam Loco Gender? There's absolutely good reason that steam locomotives ( like ships) are always referred to in the female gender.