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[quote user="TomDiehl"][quote user="Bucyrus"]  4)        A coal fired boiler, producing steam to power multiple reciprocating engines with 4-8 cylinders with each engine driving one power truck through a torque converter or some form of hydraulic or hydraulic/mechanical transmission.I am seeing something that is as unlike the steam locomotives of the 1940s as are today's diesel-electrics.I agree that in the context of the long evolving diesel age, the return to steam seems like a hopeless dream, but I think there is more at work in these big trends than just engineering and economics, so anything is possible.[/quote]A torque converter or transmission isn't necessary with a reciprocating steam engine. Unlike an internal combustion engine, they can come to a complete stop when the train is stopped. A diesel is idling (running at low RPM) all the time. Steam pressure, as opposed to exploding fuel/air mixture provides the power and is controlled by a valve (throttle).[/quote]Tom,I understand your point that steam engines can be completely controlled by the throttle.  However, I was thinking about the transmission for the purpose of matching the engine power curve to the locomotive speed and load.  This particular concept, when in low gear, would be similar to a Shay.
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