How Steam Locomotives Work

by Brian Solomon

Overview

Steam locomotives ruled railroads through the 1940s. From the beginnings of railroading in the early 1800s until the coming of diesels in the 1940s, steam locomotives led almost every freight and passenger train in North America. From their diminutive beginnings, steam engines developed into large, powerful locomotives that could lead mile-long freight trains at 60 mph or lug thousands of tons of coal up mountain grades. With their moving rods and valve gear, steam locomotives have long captivated observers with their sights, sounds, and smells. In How Steam Locomotives Work, Brian Solomon explores the details of these marvelous machines, tracing their workings from the firebox and boiler through the valves, rods, and wheels. You'll learn how wood, coal, and oil turn water to steam, and how steam's tremendous power is transformed into motion. This book explains how steam locomotives evolved and shows how variations were developed, including three- and four-cylinder locomotives, compound locomotives, and specialty engines such as geared locomotives, articulateds, Cab-Forwards, tank engines, and narrow gauge locomotives. Learning how steam locomotives work will help you better appreciate these wonderful machines from a bygone time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781627008808
Publication date:	03/01/2022
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	191,062
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 10.70(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction: Steam's Mystique 4

Chapter 1 Steam Locomotive History and Basic Operations 6

Chapter 2 Boiler and Firebox Design and Accessories 32

Chapter 3 Cylinders, Valves, and Valve Gear 70

Chapter 4 Crossheads, Rods, and Wheels 96

Chapter 5 Air brakes 124

Chapter 6 Locomotive Accessories and Components 134

Chapter 7 Compound, Articulated, and Duplex Locomotives 160

Chapter 8 Geared, Narrow Gauge, Tank, and Specialized Locomotives 184

Glossary of Terms 204

Bibliography 206