It's a Santa Fe 4-6-4 Hudson, with 84 inch drivers. Big wheels mean faster speeds at the same RPM's.what is the heritage of that loco ?? it looks like a pacific 4-6-2 , you would figure they would go with a 4-8-4 thats not in bad shape to do this type of speed test
I agree.I think too many people read stuff like this and instantly think a modern steam engine would be like its smoke belching piston pounding ancestors. Those people will probably be quite disappointed.
I think they may be going in a different direction than traction motors after reading this page on their website; ww.csrail.org/index.php/the-train/modern-steam/quicker. I wonder if possibly a steam/hydraulic drive?The day of drive rods is gone thanks to the traction motor. The modern locomotive is just a mobile diesel power plant producing electricity to run those motors. The point is to make that electricity as cheaply, efficiently and practical as possible. You could take the diesel plant off and put on wind turbines or solar panels or even a nuclear reactor, the locomotive would still work the same way. You generate electricity the best way possible to drive the wheels. No drive rods.
I think this is just an attempt to show the possibilities that exist with new technology. Probably the cheapest and quickest way to achieve that goal. It will take extensive modification and probably not look or operate like anything we expect!I think the fact they are are trying to retrofit an older locomotive and boiler is a bad move. I hope it is just a concept demonstrator because from an engineering standpoint you can do a whole lot better.
Yes, your entire post shows you are thinking exactly like I am. There has to be some major departures from the old steam concept. This is why I do not understand the choice of an old locomotive for a proof of concept.I think too many people read stuff like this and instantly think a modern steam engine would be like its smoke belching piston pounding ancestors. .
I like your way of thinking!!!!!A better idea would be to use a nuke plant to power cantinary over the track and have engines like the Centepedes pulling via electric traction motors.
lol man the greenies & the old hippies would be out in droves if they thought nuke was on rails so they should borrow the 844 for baseline test(and nuclear has a terrible reputation).