What are the advantages of diesel locomotives compared with steam locomotives?
The steamer is limited by its fixed drawbar pull. The drawbar pull is fixed because it is a function of boiler pressure, piston diameter and ratio of stroke to driver diameter. Increasing any of those values will allow our steam engine to generate more thrust. But we cannot use it.
What is the maximum horsepower of steam locomotive?
A Big Boy locomotive along with its tender weighed about 604 tons and measured more than 132 feet (40 metres) in length. It had a maximum power capacity of more than 6,000 horsepower and could haul a 3,600-ton train unassisted up the Wasatch Mountain grade.
Why did diesel replace steam locomotives?
In the 1950s, diesels began taking over steam power, as they were easier to maintain, and more efficient. Diesel locomotives required less maintenance and fewer crew members to run. These factors were enough to convince railroads to switch to diesel power.
Are steam engines powerful?
“Steam locomotives are some of the most powerful engines ever made,” said Jamie Ryan, who has worked in many capacities for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango, Colo. “It’s really incredible the amount they can pull.” Not long after these engines were made, diesels came along.
What is the most popular steam engine?
The Flying Scotsman
1. The Flying Scotsman. Built in 1922, Flying Scotsman has been described as the world’s most famous steam locomotive. Since it was first built, few parts of the locomotive have survived as many of its components have been renewed and replaced several times over.
What happened to coal-based locomotives?
Following the Stourbridge Lion, the States’ first steam locomotive, hundreds more soon sprang to life, eating coal, making steam and belching smoke. Today, outside of train shows and historical reenactments have dropped coal in favor of electric, gasoline turbine or diesel power—sometimes, a combination of the three.
How much horsepower does a locomotive have?
With over 12,000 horsepower, the locomotive can carry tens of thousands of political dissidents to icy work camps! (Just kidding.) With so much grunt, the Datong HXD2s can carry over 7,000 tons of coal and are designed to do so even at temperatures of -40 degrees through the winter.
Why are steam locomotives not used anymore?
The main reason is that there is really nothing about the aesthetic of a steam locomotive that makes sense for any other form of motive power. The first thing that prevents any “stylized” locomotives from being built these days is maintenance access to inner workings of the locomotive.
When was the last steam locomotive built in the world?
The 110 is the only 2-6-6-2T locomotive in service anywhere in the world! Year Built – 1989 Driving Wheel Diameter – 54in. As late as 1989, China was still building steam locmotives. One of the last engines built there, or anywhere in the world, was #8419.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYqb1x21hWg