Alternative Steam Locomotive Proposals
These design ideas came about when reading a web page about a group hoping to design and build a new locomotive for heritage railways. Most of these railways have no, or limited facilities for turning locomotives around. Mainly a problem with tender locos which do not look so good running in reverse, and can have problems with leading tenders. As such lines are restricted to 40 km/h the former is probably the main concern.
Tank engines are intended for bi-directional running, so any new locomotive would necessarily be of that type. The problems here becomes one of power and space. Powerful tank engines are not so common, and heritage railways need more space in the cab than commercial locomotives.
Many heritage lines have inclines on them, which need power to running up, and braking for running down. The volunteer nature of such lines, and their limited running time means that instead of two people on the footplate, there can often be four, or more. Charging a hefty premium for footplate travel, and drive an engine days are examples. Also the need to train a pool of volunteer drivers and firemen.
So I sketched out three options based on a three axle drive chassis, and these are presented below. While not specified i would prefer gas or liquid fuel. Coal has a tendency to produce hot elements which burn the surrounding countryside. A potential problem for many railways in dry times.
These design ideas came about when reading a web page about a group hoping to design and build a new locomotive for heritage railways. Most of these railways have no, or limited facilities for turning locomotives around. Mainly a problem with tender locos which do not look so good running in reverse, and can have problems with leading tenders. As such lines are restricted to 40 km/h the former is probably the main concern.
Tank engines are intended for bi-directional running, so any new locomotive would necessarily be of that type. The problems here becomes one of power and space. Powerful tank engines are not so common, and heritage railways need more space in the cab than commercial locomotives.
Many heritage lines have inclines on them, which need power to running up, and braking for running down. The volunteer nature of such lines, and their limited running time means that instead of two people on the footplate, there can often be four, or more. Charging a hefty premium for footplate travel, and drive an engine days are examples. Also the need to train a pool of volunteer drivers and firemen.
So I sketched out three options based on a three axle drive chassis, and these are presented below. While not specified i would prefer gas or liquid fuel. Coal has a tendency to produce hot elements which burn the surrounding countryside. A potential problem for many railways in dry times.
Kitson - Meyer
Until the 1930s Kitsons manufactured locomotives in Leeds. Besides the basic tank engines one of their most notable lines were the locomotives based on the Meyer design. With a pair of pivoted chassis the analogy with a diesel or electric locomotive is obvious. While the aethetics of binary running are not eliminated, the provision of an exhaust funnel within the fuel bunker area alleviates this a bit. This is then balanced by the obvious benefits of a double chassis an outside valve gear.
Until the 1930s Kitsons manufactured locomotives in Leeds. Besides the basic tank engines one of their most notable lines were the locomotives based on the Meyer design. With a pair of pivoted chassis the analogy with a diesel or electric locomotive is obvious. While the aethetics of binary running are not eliminated, the provision of an exhaust funnel within the fuel bunker area alleviates this a bit. This is then balanced by the obvious benefits of a double chassis an outside valve gear.
Mallet
Similar to the Meyer, except one chassis only is free to move. Not as aethetically pleasing for binary operations.
Similar to the Meyer, except one chassis only is free to move. Not as aethetically pleasing for binary operations.
Fairlie
The ideal design for binary operation, but with the complication of the twin boiler and a lack of fuel space. However, if some of the water space was for liquid or gas fuel the design does have potential. If the boilers are a connected pair rather than a single unit maybe only one boiler could be used for light loads. Even have one boiler as a dummy, for fuel and water. A phoney Fairlie!
The ideal design for binary operation, but with the complication of the twin boiler and a lack of fuel space. However, if some of the water space was for liquid or gas fuel the design does have potential. If the boilers are a connected pair rather than a single unit maybe only one boiler could be used for light loads. Even have one boiler as a dummy, for fuel and water. A phoney Fairlie!
Tank
However, costs are a high priority for such railways, so here is the basic tank option while retaining the three axle chassis and large cab.
However, costs are a high priority for such railways, so here is the basic tank option while retaining the three axle chassis and large cab.
 |
 |
 |