deadheading steamers

[Anonymous]

How did they configure live steamers when they were hauled, with their trains, over mountain grades by electrics? i.e. the Cascades of BN, etc? Is there a "neutral" setting for bypassing the natural resistance of the steam system? Tnanks.....

[thirdrail1]

There is no "idle" - the steam locomotive continued to contribute to pulling the train, simply "doubleheading" with a different form of power. In tunnels, the steam engineer kept the throttle at the setting that would encourage sufficient draft for maximum combustion of the coal without smoke.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Gregg...I should have know that...but how do they set up to deadhead (move) steamers not under steam??? Thanks...bob obrien

[thirdrail1]

If a steam locomotive was to be moved a considerasble distance dead, the main rods would be removed and placed in the coal bunker.