Roundhouses

[jeremygharrison]

In the new (Spring 2007) Classic Trains, in the feature on Roundhouses, the three illustrated are all set up to accomodate steam locos 'front out' (i.e. smokebox away away from  the turntable).

Was this standard in the States, or only on specific roads, or is it just chance that all these three are that have it in common?

In my experience in Europe, it has always been that 'front in' has been the norm.  

 

 

[PBenham]

The most common reason engines were parked facing into a roundhouse was because most of the work would be done on the front of the engine. Work on cleaning the firebox and smoke box/front end netting was done before the engine would go into a roundhouse. The work that most often needed to be done in a roundhouse included replacing headlight and marker light bulbs, (something I'd bet wasn't done in the UK!) adjusting valve gear, adjusting or re-packing wheel bearings, cleaning and adjusting main and side rod bearings, cleaning lubrication points, cleaning and repairs in the cab, cleaning, adjustment and lubrication of the stoker (If the engine had one, again not very common in the UK). Then, there is work that needed doing on the cylinder bearings, piston rods, piston valves it was done there. Work on the boiler included cleaning plugged flues, replacement of bad flues and tubes, repairs to safety valves, staybolts, the whistle and bell. Now we can see why so many men worked on steam engines and why diesels were able unseat steam in so short a time (less than ten years on even some major carriers. Norfolk & Western, known for efficiency, dieselized in seven years. At the other end, Pennsylvaina did it in 16 years from their first diesel, New York Central needed 30, that's right 30 years, to rid itself of steam. 1927-1957) the justification from the labor (labour) savings alone were enough to push some carriers to dieselize, as did other factors, like smoke abatement, track maintenance costs and parts scarcity.

[jimrice4449]

When I saw your post I went over to my bookcase and checked the pix you mentioned.   I couldn't believe that I, the king of the nit-pickers, could have missed such an anomaly!   Standard practice in the US was to head the engines into the RHs. for the reasons stated above.  The only exception I can recall was a pic in a book of about a dozen SP cab-forwards lined up w/ the cabs towards the ttable.   I've always assumed that it was a posed shot to show off a new batch of engiines or something.  On checking the pix you mentioned, they're all set up for loco in first.   If you'll note, all the smoke jacks on the roofs are away from the turntable end of the bldg.

[underworld]

I never knew there were standards for such things. Very interesting!!!

 

underworld

[train18393]

PBenhan,

I am pretty familiar with steam engines. I started reading my Grandpa Roy's 1947 locomotive Cyclopedia, and have nearly wore the print off the pages refering tp it so often. I do not know everything about steamers. I wasn't born untill the early 50s. Fortunatly as a kid I frequently went to work with my father when he was a conductor on the C&O at the hump yard in Walbridge. Have lots of great stories from the men at that place. We also visited the roundhouse many times. All diesel. I am sure children don't go to work with their parent  on the railroad anymore.

Anyways, my question concerns your response, as my inquiring mind wants to know! In the beginning of your response you mention the "smokebox/front end netting" , what is "netting"? I completly understand the rest of your response.

Thanks for another tidbit of information.

Paul

 

[spikejones52002]

This would allow the smoke to exhust outside.

[selector]

I'll hazard a response to the netting question.  It prevented cinders and sparks from being blown out of the stack and causing fires near the right of way due to their inherent heat content when they landed.  At least, that is what I remember reading not too many months ago.  I guess I'll get corrected, but in the meantime, I'll do a google and see what gives.

[wjstix]

One thing that can make it confusing in doing research is that in the old days, engines were often temporarily turned to be facing out towards the turntable for company photographers taking pics.