The Cost Savings of Steam Today.

[NW Mailing List]

Sorry.  I haven't read the report yet, but I will, so I'm not knocking it.  But, some things I've not seen mentioned here are:
   
  The capability to connect these locomotives together, and operate them from one control stand, with each one pulling evenly with the others.  The diesel can do this.  Could a steam turbine?  I dunno.  Could the "Modern Coal Burning Steam Locomotive" of the 40's and 50's?  No.  They had separate crews, with engineers and firemen who were masters of their art constantly tweaking the controls to maintain that effort. The diesel can do it with a flip of the reverser lever and a notch on the throttle.
   
  So, can these new modern steam locomotives be MU'd together?  Is there a safety cab in the FRONT of the locomotive?  These ideas would have to be factored in as well.  Maybe they were.  Again, I don't know.  But, I'd bet the FRA would just about demand the cab be on the front.  The Southern Pacific accomplished this with oil burners, but that won't work for the coal stoker used on the locomotives back in the day.
   
  And, don't forget dynamic braking capabilities.  That makes a LOT of difference, especially in the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains.  They really save a lot of wear on brakes, not to mention added safety and braking capability.  This is a major consideration.
   
  I'd be the first in line to endorse modern steam on todays railroads, but, it would be a tough battle, and would have to have some serious money behind it.
   
  My humble opinion.
  Ben Blevins
   

       
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