Comparing the 5AT with the BR Standard Class 5MT The 5AT locomotive, excluding the tender, is based on the size and format of the British Railways Standard Class 5MT 4-6-0 design of 1951. The reasons for this are as follows. Given the power/weight ratio now possible in steam traction, it is an appropriate size of […]
Fuels and Environmental Considerations relating to Steam Traction As with all forms of “engine” whether steam, diesel or any other, the 5AT’s rate of fuel consumption will vary with the power output demanded of it. However, the proposed use of oil-firing (as opposed to manual coal firing) will allow the locomotive to operate continuously at […]
As with all forms of “engine” whether steam, diesel or any other, the 5AT’s rate of fuel consumption will vary with the power output demanded of it. However, the proposed use of oil-firing (as opposed to manual coal firing) will allow the locomotive to operate continuously at very high power outputs because no human effort […]
Emissions from Modern Steam Locomotives It would be an exaggeration to say that Modern Steam traction will be good for the environment, however it can offer several singular benefits (or less harmful disbenefits) than other forms of traction, especially in niche circumstances in which it is particularly suited. In a paper to the Institution of […]
Emissions and Environmental Considerations relating to the 5AT and Modern Steam It would be an exaggeration to say that Modern Steam traction will be good for the environment, however it can offer several singular benefits (or less harmful disbenefits) than other forms of traction, especially in niche circumstances in which it is particularly suited. The […]
Reducing Maintenance Costs Note: On page 144 of his book, Wardale makes the point that in the broader meanings of the words, reducing maintenance costs could fall into the category of improving Performance and Efficiency. Notwithstanding, this page relates to the narrower meanings of the phrase “reducing maintenance costs”. Just as boosting performance and reducing […]
Reducing Fuel Consumption and Carbon Emissions The previous page offered a generalised summary of modifications that can be expected to result in boosting of locomotive performance. This page focusses on the associated benefits of reduced fuel consumption and consequent reductions in carbon emissions. Any modification that improves a locomotive’s performance (in terms of power output), […]
Boosting Locomotive Performance Note: It is not recommended that any modifications be carried out that increase an existing locomotive’s tractive effort without proper engineering analysis. Increasing tractive effort is likely to result in forces in the locomotive’s motion, frames, drawgear etc. for which they have not been designed. Thus if, for example, any increase in […]
Modernising Options for Steam Locomotives As can be deduced from the Principles of Modern Steam pages, there is a wide range of “modernisation” modifications that can be applied to locomotives, both new and old. This section offers guidance to locomotive owners as to the types of modifications that might be relevant to their locomotive and […]
Modernising Options and their Applications There are a number of modernising options as listed on the Modernisation Options page. This page suggests where each option might or might not be usefully applied. The “potential applications” column uses five code letters as follows: A – applies to existing locomotives whose external outline must not be changed; […]
Improving Reliability On page 144 of his book, Wardale makes the point that improving reliability could fall into the category of improving Performance and Efficiency in the broader meanings of the words. For instance: any enhancement that improves steaming will improve a locomotive’s operational reliability; any enhancement that improves performance will give a locomotive a […]