DoughlessAlso, the engine will be facing downhill as it pulls the train up the steep grade, which helps keep the water in the boiler because of the angle, so a railroad might want to pull the train uphill anyway for that reason. ...
I thought they wanted the loco facing uphill to make sure water is covering the firebox top?
MidlandMikeI thought they wanted the loco facing uphill to make sure water is covering the firebox top?
Don't be fooled by those rack engines that look like they're 'kneeling'. The boiler is supposed to be level when the engine is actually working hard.
I know of one locomotive (Dixie 576) that was equipped with special level plates on the water glasses to indicate correct working level when negotiating 2% grades. If I recall correctly some of the larger articulateds had a whole separate gauge to be used under such conditions.
The real problem came when a hard-working locomotive 'summited' and started back down the grade on the other side. The fire would still be hot from the ascent, and if the water rolled forward in the boiler, even full injection/pumping might not keep water over the crown and chamber top. Even a few seconds under those conditions might be critical, with the situation being worse if there was already some thermal-cycling damage in the structure.
So what's the concensus... are we saying go up and down the branch facing uphill, with a coffee break right before the crest to let the firebox cool off?
Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.
crossthedog So what's the concensus... are we saying go up and down the branch facing uphill, with a coffee break right before the crest to let the firebox cool off?
With tongue firmly in-cheek, I'd suggest that you scrap the locomotive and convert your layout to a funicular...
...but in a more serious vein, I still like your sketch of the simple turntable that you submitted previously. Don't worry about the downhill version exposing the crown sheet, unless you've actually filled your locomotive with water.
Wayne
doctorwayne...but in a more serious vein, I still like your sketch of the simple turntable that you submitted previously. Don't worry about the downhill version exposing the crown sheet, unless you've actually filled your locomotive with water.
-Matt
MidlandMike Doughless Also, the engine will be facing downhill as it pulls the train up the steep grade, which helps keep the water in the boiler because of the angle, so a railroad might want to pull the train uphill anyway for that reason. ... I thought they wanted the loco facing uphill to make sure water is covering the firebox top?
Doughless Also, the engine will be facing downhill as it pulls the train up the steep grade, which helps keep the water in the boiler because of the angle, so a railroad might want to pull the train uphill anyway for that reason. ...
Hmmm. Maybe I got that backwards.
- Douglas
I haven't read all the replies throughly so this may be a repeat.
The Kadee coupler sight not only tells you what coupler will fit on the front of steam locos, but also shows you how to modify your loco to have that coupler work properly.
Good luck,
Richard
cowmanI haven't read all the replies throughly so this may be a repeat. The Kadee coupler sight not only tells you what coupler will fit on the front of steam locos, but also shows you how to modify your loco to have that coupler work properly. Good luck, Richard
But I'd love it if you sent a link right to the page you are thinking of, because I've looked on the website and there's lots of info there about a lot of things, and I could not find anything about mounting a front coupler on an old Roundhouse steamer. After reading all the responses, what I (think I) know is, if a #262 box does not fit into that pilot hole -- that's the narrowest Kadee box -- then I'll have to widen the hole. And if the boss that I just tapped for a 00-80 screw interferes with putting the box in there, then I'll have to grind out the boss. Any way I go, it will be a bit of work.
Late to the party again. As to the TT West of the Missip - how about Missoula, MT. This one is still in operation although the RH has been gone for a few years. Now you can be prototypical and turn your engines!
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.8757054,-113.9911176,372m/data=!3m1!1e3
And one from Spokane ( Parkwater )
https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6737073,-117.3283694,231m/data=!3m1!1e3
Amazing you can not just insert images. On top of that I am away from home so I can't put it on the web server at this time so hence the google map link.
Oh, you may have to select the Earth view layer to see the actual photo.
Todd Hackett
Libby, Montana 59923
I take only pictures then leave footprints on railroad property that I know is not mine, although I treat it as such...
@Todd, thanks for those links. I always like seeing old turntables. I think I read in Trains mag that BNSF is going to quit the whole of Balmer Yard at Interbay here in Seattle, which means we'll lose the turntable down there. It is visible from several bridges and other spots around the perimeter of the yard so it's always been a fun place for railfanning.
Matt - that would be interesting as Interbay ( and associated yards ) are the western terminus isn't it? Many moons ago I met a guy in an AA meeting who hostled down there. Told me to come down and he would show me around. Ya, some show around he did. Had me moving power units around, fuel line to wash racks and back to the ready line. Almost got to 'hump' a cut of cars in Balmer until one of the uppety-ups happened by wanting to know who is was. Oh well, just running power around was nothing but great! Conductor working with us wanted me to go and signup with the RR. Already was doing my degree in electronics and wanted to keep with that. Also told them that I had tried to get on with the railroad ( any railroad ) all of my life and it just wasn't happening. Might have been a good thing as I still drool when i get close to the things!
ctclibbyMany moons ago I met a guy in an AA meeting who hostled down there.
Years later I wanted to photograph some old Geeps that were still in the green and white BN livery next to the roundhouse and they came down hard negative. Can't have the public wandering around on the property. Times have changed since 9/11.
You used the word "hostle". I've heard of a hostler as one who tends horses; it's an old word with a wonderful history, but I've never seen it used as a verb nor in reference to nonequine motive power. Is that a common usage?
crossthedogYou used the word "hostle". I've heard of a hostler as one who tends horses; it's an old word with a wonderful history, but I've never seen it used as a verb nor in reference to nonequine motive power. Is that a common usage?
I've heard it used here in Canada, at a now long-gone roundhouse, and also in a couple of places in the U.S., once at Steam Town, and other times at a couple of shortline enginehouses in Pennsylvania, where I had several very enjoyable cab rides, thanks to a good friend, who was himself, a railroader, and knew dozens of other railroaders.
Keep in mind that steam locomotives were often referred to as "iron horses".