A "how does it work" look at the big boy

#1

Our member RP saw this and knowing of my fascination with steam locomotives 9and in particular the Union Pacific’s restored 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” articulated locomotive, sent this video along which I actually watched. If you’re fascinated by these behemoths as I am, this thorough look at the engineering behind this locomotive is worth the time. I don’t need to rehearse why I think Union Pacific and other railroads around the world are restoring and operating these engines as most of you probably already know what I think.

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#2

Whoa! That is a good look at just how complicated those locomotives were to not only design, but to keep them in good running condition. Very impressed with the video as well. Excellent animation, and thoroughly explained.

#3

And, for railfans who might not know the hands-on procedure involved in firing up a steam locomotive, (and how very long it takes), I found this vid intriguing:

#4

I’m sensing an analysis of Sadi Carnot coming on …

Ohm … analogue is the way … Ohm … analogue with lumped networks is superior … Ohm