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It is not the ability of coal to burn "More or less" powerful but the overall design of the boiler to feed the cylinders.Take the Triplex. Impressive eh? But it pants and runs out of steam anywhere above 30.You are simply heating a huge amount of water to boiling and then beyond. That is all there is to it. Dont overthink or hurt yourself trying to determine if one is better than another.All engines will max out somewhere at max hp and will not give you any more no matter what you pour into it.Now having said that, I expect folks to jump on here and show me a 350 cat buffed with 4 turbos, pressuriezed fuel systems and extreme output capable of taking 50 ton up a 7% grade at 70+ mph and have horses left over to accelerate.It may not have the fuel to make it over the top with such large amounts of fuel (Energy) being fed to it.Also keep in mind that the Y6b was a Compound and probably operated somewhat differently than.. say a Big Boy that was taking steam in all 4 cylinders as it came from the boiler without reusing any of it.Finally but not last, consider the 4-4-4-4 Duplex from the PRR. Engineers swore they were slippery and worthless but wispered about thier 100+ mph performance with lots of horses to spare but no room left. Fact? Legend? Myths? You tell me.40 mph is good speed for steam. In fact, I think today's engines with thier impressive performance STILL run trains at average of 40 mph. Maybe Im wrong.Or consider the B&O "Big Six" those were doing service doing Passenger Helper service at 30 mph or so.. UP HILL.
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