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Post by Harlock on Jul 1, 2007 3:54:50 GMT -5
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Post by Ed Hume on Jul 1, 2007 19:19:49 GMT -5
You picked a nice engine to pose on. The pickle barrels are a good idea to hide the propane tanks. The beam engine is nicely done too.
Sure is scenic country - I enjoyed seeing the photos.
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Post by Harlock on Jul 2, 2007 4:50:33 GMT -5
I operated the beam engine that day as well, it's a lot of fun. It actually has quite a lot of power for the configuration. Those come as ready-to-run, they only sell them assembled and tested. I've seen two or three so far a the various clubs. The one in the photos is currently for sale for $10,000. Tom wants to get a slightly larger, heavier one for more traction and pulling power. Our track has a 3% grade - up one end of the loop and down the other - with long flat straightaway between on the non-station side. The grades can be quite challenging. You make sure you have a full head of steam and adequate water, then you floor it up the grade with the reverser in the corner and by the time you get to the last 1/4 of the grade you are starting to slow down quite a bit, especially if you are pulling people. The first couple of times I had to stop and build steam because I hadn't the hang of it yet.  The trick is to be going at top speed when you begin the climb, otherwise you'll never get up enough momentum to make it, unless you're driving a geared type. The first couple of times I would start applying the power too late, and too much too late and the wheels start slipping. The CPRR engine had an actual working sander in it, but I never used it because it was too much to pay attention to. The CPRR Mastadon was a pleasure to run, had dual water injectors and the sander and like the beam engine was fired with propane, so it was real easy for a beginner like me. The only scary part was going on the 3% downgrade and watching that sight glass fall from the action of the very long aspect ratio boiler. Always put in a little more water than usual before or during that descent. |
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Post by AndrewP on Dec 9, 2007 17:05:45 GMT -5
Looks like a great day. Who is the supplier of the beam engine please? Nothing like that this side of the pond for sure.
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Post by Harlock on Dec 12, 2007 18:56:49 GMT -5
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The trick is to be going at top speed when you begin the climb, otherwise you'll never get up enough momentum to make it, unless you're driving a geared type. 
