What is a railroad stoker?
A mechanical stoker is a mechanical system that feeds solid fuel like coal, coke or anthracite into the furnace of a steam boiler. They are common on steam locomotives after 1900 and are also used on ships and power stations.
What did a fireman do on the railroad?
The engineer has the ultimate responsibility in the operation of the train. The FIREMAN primary job is maintaining the correct steam pressure in the engine’s boiler. By changing the intensity of the fire, the fireman can create more steam or let the engineer’s actions at the throttle consume steam.
Where is the up big boy kept?
Union Pacific reacquired No. 4014 from the RailGiants Museum in Pomona, California, in 2013, and relocated it back to Cheyenne to begin a multi-year restoration process. It returned to service in May 2019 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s Completion.
How much coal does a steam locomotive use?
Using contemporary engineering texts, Shimko found that simple steam engines like Denbigh’s typically burned about five pounds (2.27kg) of coal per horsepower per hour.
What is stoker firing?
Mechanical Stoker Firing. When fuel i.e. coal is put into the steam boiler furnace by means of a mechanical stoker, the firing of boiler method is referred as mechanical stoker firing. There are mainly two types of mechanical stoker firing systems.
What is a chief stoker?
The ‘Chief Stoker of Chief Stokers’ is the latest sailor to be recognised for his massive commitment to the Royal Navy. The award was introduced last year, one of a series of initiatives and rewards to better recognise the efforts of some of the stalwarts across the Royal Navy who go above and beyond every day.
Where is Big Boy 4014 at now?
Cheyenne
The locomotive was retired in December 1961, having traveled 1,031,205 miles in its 20 years in service. Union Pacific reacquired No. 4014 from the RailGiants Museum in Pomona, California, in 2013, and relocated it back to Cheyenne to begin a multi-year restoration process. It returned to service in May 2019.
What is the route of the Big Boy 4014?
4014 departed Cheyenne, Wyoming on Aug. 5 for this year’s steam tour, traveling through Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. During the Big Boy 2021 Tour, the Big Boy was on display in the following cities: Saturday, Aug.
How long does it take to fire up a steam locomotive?
A local railroad used to do it in about 3-1/2 hrs from cold boiler to full pressure (around 180psi IIRC after 40 years). They’d start with a wood fire and then add coal. If the engine had been run the day before it would still be warm and would raise steam in 1-1/2 hr or so.
How far could a steam locomotive go before needing water?
During the very early days of steam locomotives, water stops were necessary every 7–10 miles (11-16 km) and consumed much travel time. With the introduction of tenders (a special car containing water and fuel), trains could run 100–150 miles (160–240 km) without a refill.